Patrik Laine has left the Blue Jackets and has returned home to Finland

Columbus Blue Jackets star Patrik Laine has been granted a personal leave of absence from the team so that he can return home to Finland and be with family while they mourn the loss of Patrik's father Harri Laine.

The elder Laine passed away suddenly last month, while his son Patrik was state-side playing with the Blue Jackets. Since his father's passing late last month, Laine had still not travelled home to be with family. Today's announcement will allow him to mourn at home in peace amongst his mother Tuija and his sister Pinja.

From all accounts, Harri had a very big impact on Patrik's hockey career. In fact, it was Harri who convinced Patrik at 12 years old to convert from a goaltender to a forward. Prior to this change, Patrik had played his entire youth hockey as a goaltender, but Harri felt his son had natural goal scoring talent and should try his hand at skating out as a forward. The gamble obviously paid off and Patrik has his father to thank for it.

Regardless of any of that though, there's nothing quite like a Father/Son relationship and I'm glad that the Blue Jackets have allowed Patrik to be with his family during a difficult time. Thoughts and prayers are with the entire Laine family.