Laine's confidence 'closer to zero' during slump

After a solid start to his stint with the Columbus Blue Jackets, sniper Patrik Laine seems to have hit a wall both mentally and on the ice.

"Probably closer to zero," Laine said Thursday when asked where his confidence is at right now, according to The Athletic's Aaron Portzline.

Laine amassed six goals and four assists in his first 10 games with the club. However, he's gone pointless in his last seven contests, matching the longest drought of his career.

Starting with a new club midseason is never an easy task, but the 22-year-old has nothing but good things to say about Columbus.

"Haven't been here for a very long time, but it starts to feel like home, Laine said, according to Portzline.

"Can't thank the guys in the organization enough for making this as easy as possible for me," he continued. "Everybody's been great. My teammates are awesome. Everybody who works here is awesome. It's been an easy transition to come here, and I've enjoyed every minute of it.

The Blue Jackets acquired Laine and forward Jack Roslovic from the Winnipeg Jets for Pierre-Luc Dubois in late January. Laine has eight goals and five assists in 18 games this season.

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