In a move that has surprised many in the NHL community, the Columbus Blue Jackets have traded prolific forward Patrik Laine to the Montreal Canadiens. The Blue Jackets will receive defenseman Jordan Harris and a 2026 second-round pick in return. Notably, Columbus did not retain any of Laine's salary, a decision that could have significant financial implications moving forward.
Laine, who joined the Blue Jackets just one game into the 2020-21 season, was originally drafted No. 2 overall in 2016 by the Winnipeg Jets. He had an impressive start to his career, netting 80 goals in his first two seasons with Winnipeg. However, his journey has been fraught with challenges, including multiple injuries and a recent stint in the NHL/NHL Players' Association Player Assistance Program.
In the 2022-23 season, Laine missed nine games due to a concussion and an additional three games later that year. Despite these setbacks, he managed to secure consecutive 20-goal seasons in both the 2021-22 and 2022-23 campaigns. Unfortunately, his performance in the 2023-24 season was less remarkable, with Laine recording six goals and nine points in 18 games before entering the assistance program in late January.
The Blue Jackets had a turbulent 2023-24 season, finishing with 66 points, the worst record in the Eastern Conference, and the fourth fewest points in the NHL. This stark decline likely influenced the decision to trade Laine, aiming to rebuild with younger talent and future draft picks.
Blue Jackets General Manager Don Waddell commented on the trade, stating, "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." Waddell added, "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."
Defensive prospect Jordan Harris brings fresh potential to the Blue Jackets' roster. With Laine's departure and the addition of Harris, Columbus opens up new possibilities for defensive improvements, addressing a pressing need for the team.
For the Montreal Canadiens, acquiring Laine represents both a risk and an opportunity. The Canadiens have missed the playoffs for three consecutive seasons, finishing the 2022-23 season with 68 points and improving slightly to 76 points in the 2023-24 season. Laine's arrival could inject the offensive firepower needed to elevate the Canadiens from perennial underperformance.
Laine's contract, which carries an annual value of $8.7 million and has two years remaining, adds a substantial financial commitment for Montreal. Yet, if Laine can regain his form and stay healthy, he could be a game-changer for a Canadiens team desperate to return to playoff contention.
As the NHL landscape continues to evolve, the trade of Patrik Laine is a reminder of the league's unpredictability and the constant quest for competitive balance. Both the Blue Jackets and the Canadiens have taken calculated risks, and only time will reveal the true impact of this high-profile exchange.