Canucks' Fortnite ban questioned by some league

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – A day after Vancouver forward Bo Horvat said the Canucks have been arrested in Fort Lauderdale.

Winnipeg star Patrik Laine, who plays the game, suggests the Canucks needed a scapegoat.

"I think they just needed something to blame after last year," Laine said in an obvious shot at the Canucks' 31-40-11 record last season. "And we kind of made a deal if we're playing like that, we can give up our PlayStations so we're not going to take them on the road.But I do not think that's going to happen."

Asked about the comment Wednesday, Canucks forward Jake Virtanen said Fortnite has an issue and added: "I do not really care what he says."

"I just think that where we want to go with our team, anything we can to get better, that's a steppingstone," he said, according to The Canadian Press. "You can only go up from last year. … But it's all business here."

Some have expressed concern in hockey, especially at the major junior level, which young players who hold marathon gaming sessions pay for it on the ice with poor performance. Why Fortnite in particular has no alarms is unclear.

"It's a PlayStation game," said Jets forward Nikolaj Ehlers, who like Laine is a Fortnite fan. "We are doing everything we can to get ready for a hockey game, and it's not playing Fortnite till 2 a.m."

In Toronto, Maple Leafs forward Zach Hyman downplayed the concerns.

"I do not think Fortnite's the problem," Hyman said. "If you're sitting there playing Fortnite for 12 hours a day it's probably not the best thing for you, but if you play it like a normal person – one or two hours a day – then you're fine … If you're going out all night (partying), you're addicted to going out.

Hyman did not see a need in Toronto, though defenseman Jake Gardiner was not sure.

"I would not mind (a ban)," he said. "Video games get out of control.You're on the road to spend time with teammates."

In Ottawa, Senators are not planning a Fortnite restriction.

"Colin White told the CP," We're never going too far or too long. "It's just going to be explored and it's going to grow, it's just growing worldwide and half our team plays now, so it's a good topic in the morning."