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The Montreal Canadiens have acquired Patrik Laine and a 2026 second-round draft pick from the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for defenseman Jordan Harris.
Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reported earlier Monday that talks between the Canadiens and the Blue Jackets regarding the striker had “gained momentum.”
It is quite surprising that the Blue Jackets, who traded away their better-known player and are apparently rebuilding after their fourth consecutive unsuccessful season, also traded away a draft pick.
Still, they will at least have more financial flexibility since they didn’t retain any of Laine’s $8.7 million salary. Aaron Portzline by The Athletic.
Laine’s time at Columbus also seemed to be over before this trade.
Due to a broken left collarbone, he played only 18 games last season and then entered the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program in January.
“After careful consideration and conversations with my support network and team, I have realized the importance of prioritizing my mental health and well-being,” Laine said on Instagram at the time (h/t Stephen Whyno of the Associated Press). “Hockey is my passion and my life, but I have realized that in order to perform at my best, I need to take this time to focus on myself.”
TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reported in June that Laine and the Blue Jackets were working together to finalize a deal in the offseason.
Columbus’ loss is a gain for Montreal, as the Canadiens will have more firepower on offense if Laine stays healthy. The 2017 All-Star led the league with 20 power-play goals during his second NHL season in 2017-18 and scored a career-high 70 points with 44 goals and 26 assists.
He began his career with four consecutive seasons of 50 or more points with the Winnipeg Jets, scoring 56 points in 2021-22 and 52 points in 2022-23 for the Blue Jackets.
As for Columbus, Harris will provide additional depth on defense.
The 24-year-old played in 56 games last season, scoring 14 points and having a plus-minus record of minus five.
