"I couldn't have asked for a more loyal, dedicated and passionate fanbase," Patrik Laine says in a farewell message to Winnipeg.

In a post on Instagram shared Saturday, former Winnipeg Jet Laine says a fond goodbye to the city he's represented on the ice for the past four years.

"When I got to Winnipeg at 18 years old, I didn't know what to expect. It became clear very quickly that this city loved hockey more than anything else," Laine says.

 

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A post shared by Patrik Laine (@patriklaine)

On Saturday, it was announced that Jets forwards Patrik Laine and Jack Roslovic had been traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets.

"Thank you to all the Jets fans who took me in and made my family and I feel welcome," Laine says.

"To my coaches, trainers and the support staff, I appreciate everything you have done for me. Thank you for showing me how to be a professional and helping me succeed on and off the ice.

"To all my Jets teammates over the past five seasons, it was an honor to play with you."

Laine also thanks the "entire front office" for drafting him in 2016.

In a nod to his new team, Laine also says he's "ready to get to work."