In a significant move that could reshape the future for both teams involved, the Columbus Blue Jackets have traded star winger Patrik Laine to the Montreal Canadiens. According to the terms of the deal, the Blue Jackets will acquire defenseman Jordan Harris and a 2026 second-round draft pick. Importantly, Columbus will not retain any of Laine's salary as part of the transaction.
The Laine Legacy in Columbus
Patrik Laine joined the Blue Jackets just one game into the 2020-21 season, following a trade from the Winnipeg Jets, where he had started his NHL career. Drafted No. 2 overall in 2016 by the Jets, Laine quickly established himself as an offensive force, netting an impressive 80 goals in his first two seasons. However, his stint with the Blue Jackets met with mixed success and several personal challenges. He notably missed nine games early in the 2022-23 season due to a concussion and an additional three games later that December.
Further complicating his tenure in Columbus, Laine entered the NHL/NHL Players' Association Player Assistance Program in late January, having recorded only six goals and nine points in 18 games prior to his entry into the program. Despite these setbacks, Laine managed to secure consecutive 20-goal seasons in both 2021-22 and 2022-23, showcasing his undeniable talent.
A Franchise in Flux
The Columbus Blue Jackets have struggled of late, finishing the 2023-24 season with only 66 points. This dismal record was the worst in the Eastern Conference and the fourth fewest points in the NHL. With such results, changes were inevitable. "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," said Blue Jackets General Manager, Don Waddell.
From the Blue Jackets' perspective, the trade opens up financial flexibility while adding a promising young player in Jordan Harris. "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," Waddell added.
Looking Ahead for Laine and the Canadiens
Laine now moves to a Montreal Canadiens team that has also been wrestling with its own issues. The Canadiens have missed the playoffs for three consecutive seasons, finishing with 68 points in the 2022-23 season and improving slightly to 76 points in 2023-24. Despite these struggles, the addition of a player of Laine's caliber could be the catalyst for a turnaround. With two years remaining on Laine's contract, which carries an annual value of $8.7 million, the Canadiens have a clear window in which to capitalize on his talents.
For Montreal, the acquisition is an opportunity not only to bolster their roster but also to signal their intent to be competitive in the upcoming seasons. Laine’s track record as a prolific scorer speaks for itself, and his presence on the ice is expected to make an immediate impact.
A New Chapter
As Patrik Laine transitions to his new home in Montreal, the ripple effects of this trade will be felt across the league. For Columbus, it marks the end of an era fraught with challenges and unmet expectations. For Montreal, it is a chance to rejuvenate their offense and push toward playoff contention. Whether Laine can recapture the form that made him one of the league’s most exciting players remains to be seen, but the stakes are high for all parties involved.
This trade is a calculated risk on both ends, a balancing act between potential and pragmatism. Both franchises, steeped in history and driven by passionate fanbases, are hopeful that this move will steer them down a path to future success. Only time will tell how this latest chapter in Patrik Laine’s career will unfold.