In a significant midseason move, Patrik Laine has been traded from the Columbus Blue Jackets to the Montreal Canadiens. The Blue Jackets received defenseman Jordan Harris and a second-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft in return. Of particular note, Columbus did not retain any of Laine's salary in the transaction, a crucial aspect of the deal considering Laine's contract carries an annual value of $8.7 million and has two years remaining.
A Change in Scenery
Laine joined the Blue Jackets just one game into the 2020-21 season, following a trade from the Winnipeg Jets, who originally drafted him No. 2 overall in 2016. Known for his scoring prowess, Laine netted an impressive 80 goals in his first two seasons with the Jets. However, his time with Columbus has been marked by inconsistency and injury.
During the 2022-23 season, Laine missed nine games early due to a concussion and an additional three games in December of the same season. His performance was further hindered as he entered the NHL/NHL Players' Association Player Assistance Program in late January. Before entering the program, he had managed six goals and nine points in 18 games.
Performance Under Scrutiny
Despite these setbacks, Laine achieved consecutive 20-goal seasons in both the 2021-22 and 2022-23 campaigns. However, Columbus struggled mightily overall, finishing the 2023-24 season with just 66 points, making them the team with the worst record in the Eastern Conference and the fourth fewest points in the NHL.
Blue Jackets General Manager Don Waddell clarified Laine's desire for a fresh start. "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 stated. "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."
Montreal's Rebuilding Efforts
The Montreal Canadiens, on the other hand, have missed the playoffs for three consecutive seasons. They finished the 2022-23 season with 68 points and slightly improved in the 2023-24 season with 76 points. Adding a player of Laine's caliber may be seen as a strategic move to bolster their offensive capabilities as they aim to transition from a rebuilding phase to a competitive one.
Laine's arrival offers Montreal potential upside in terms of scoring, assuming he can stay healthy and return to the form that made him a standout in his early years with Winnipeg. His experience and skillset could prove invaluable to a Canadiens team looking to end its playoff drought.
The trade leaves the Blue Jackets with added defensive depth and future draft assets, which could help fuel their own aspirations in upcoming seasons. Laine’s exit, while notable, creates financial room for Columbus to potentially pursue other opportunities in the market or invest in young talent.
Final Thoughts
Patrik Laine's move to Montreal signifies a new chapter both for him and the two teams involved. While his tenure in Columbus might not have reached the heights many had hoped, his potential remains high, and a change in environment could rekindle the dynamic scoring touch he exhibited early in his career. For the Blue Jackets, acquiring Jordan Harris and a valuable draft pick signifies forward-thinking and a commitment to long-term development.