Blockbuster Trade Sees Patrik Laine Head to Montreal
In a surprising move that has significant implications for both teams involved, Patrik Laine has been traded from the Columbus Blue Jackets to the Montreal Canadiens. The deal, finalized this week, sees defenseman Jordan Harris and a second-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft heading to Columbus. Notably, the Blue Jackets did not retain any of Laine’s salary in the transaction.
The trade marks a significant shift for Laine, who joined the Blue Jackets just one game into the 2020-21 season. In his time with Columbus, Laine experienced various highs and lows, from scoring 20-plus goals in consecutive seasons to grappling with injuries and other personal challenges. Blue Jackets General Manager Don Waddell commented on the decision, saying, "We want players that want to be Blue Jackets and Patrik made it clear that he thought a change of scenery was best for him."
Laine’s journey to this point has been intriguing. Originally drafted No. 2 overall in 2016 by the Winnipeg Jets, he quickly made his mark in the NHL by netting an impressive 80 goals in his first two seasons. However, his career has since been punctuated by periods of adversity. Early in the 2022-23 season, Laine missed nine games due to a concussion and an additional three games in December. In late January, he entered the NHL/NHL Players' Association Player Assistance Program, further illustrating the challenges he faced off the ice. Despite these setbacks, Laine managed to maintain a productive presence on the ice, finishing both the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons with 20-plus goals each.
Financial and roster flexibility played significant roles in this trade. Laine’s contract carries an annual value of $8.7 million with two years remaining, a considerable commitment for any team. Waddell highlighted the broader strategic motivations behind the deal: "We were able to acquire a good young player in Jordan Harris while maintaining financial flexibility in this deal which was very important to us. We wish Patrik all the best."
The Blue Jackets’ poor performance in the 2023-24 season likely expedited this move. Finishing with just 66 points, the Blue Jackets boasted the worst record in the Eastern Conference and the fourth fewest points in the entire NHL. By securing Harris and a future draft pick, Columbus is clearly eyeing a longer-term rebuild.
On the other hand, the Montreal Canadiens are looking to break their own cycle of frustration. Despite finishing with 76 points in the 2023-24 season, the Canadiens missed the playoffs for the third consecutive year. Laine’s arrival in Montreal is seen as a fresh start for both player and team. With two years left on his contract, Laine has the opportunity to rejuvenate his career and help the Canadiens turn their fortunes around.
The Canadiens are hoping that Laine's proven goal-scoring ability will add a much-needed spark to their lineup. While the 2022-23 season was challenging for him due to the concussion and subsequent games missed, his early-season performance of six goals and nine points in 18 games before entering the Player Assistance Program shows that Laine still has the potential to be a high-impact player.
For Laine, this trade is a chance to move past the turbulent chapters of his career and focus on what lies ahead. The Montreal Canadiens are banking on his ability to return to form as one of the league’s premier goal-scorers. As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on Laine to see how he adapts to his new environment and whether he can help propel the Canadiens back into playoff contention.
This trade underscores the ever-challenging nature of building a successful NHL team. Both the Blue Jackets and Canadiens have taken calculated risks, and time will tell which side ultimately benefits more from this high-profile exchange.