Tortorella, Laine say Blue Jackets have moved past star's benching

John Tortorella and Patrik Laine both claim the forward's benching earlier this week is no longer an issue for the Columbus Blue Jackets.

"We are by it," the head coach told reporters Wednesday, according to Brian Hedger of the Columbus Dispatch.

Tortorella also praised Laine and defended him against critics who question the Finnish sniper's effort.

Torts declines to get into what led to Patrik Laine not playing the last 26 minutes the other night, but does say this: #CBJ pic.twitter.com/1tkYllbFer

- Jeff Svoboda (@JacketsInsider) February 10, 2021

Laine will play Thursday against the Chicago Blackhawks and won't be disciplined further, per Hedger. The 22-year-old forward echoed Tortorella's sentiments Wednesday.

"We've moved on," he said, according to The Athletic's Aaron Portzline. "We've talked about it. It's going to stay in the room. All good now. Sometimes you say things you don't want to say. We've talked about it and moved on."

Laine added that he "deserved" to sit and he doesn't think the incident will impact a decision on his future with the team, per Hedger.

Tortorella held Laine out for the entire third period in a win over the Carolina Hurricanes on Monday. He was reportedly punished for verbally disrespecting a coach.

Laine has notched five goals in as many games this season, including three in four contests with Columbus. The Blue Jackets acquired him from the Winnipeg Jets in a trade for center Pierre-Luc Dubois on Jan. 23.

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