In a surprising move that has caught the attention of hockey enthusiasts, the Columbus Blue Jackets have traded star winger Patrik Laine to the Montreal Canadiens. The deal, which sees defenseman Jordan Harris and a 2026 second-round pick head to Columbus, was officially announced yesterday.
Change of Scenery for Laine
Laine's departure from the Blue Jackets marks the end of his nearly three-year stint with the team. Joining Columbus just one game into the 2020-21 season, Laine's journey with the Blue Jackets was a mixed bag of high performances and setbacks. Originally drafted No. 2 overall by the Winnipeg Jets in 2016, Laine quickly made a name for himself by netting an impressive 80 goals in his first two seasons with the Jets.
This season, however, has been particularly challenging for the Finnish forward. Laine missed nine games early in the 2022-23 season due to a concussion and subsequently missed an additional three games in December. His journey took another turn when he entered the NHL/NHL Players' Association Player Assistance Program in late January. Up to that point, Laine had recorded six goals and nine points in 18 games. Despite these challenges, Laine still managed to achieve consecutive 20-goal seasons in both 2021-22 and 2022-23.
Blue Jackets' Struggles
The trade comes at a time when the Blue Jackets are looking to rebuild after a disappointing 2023-24 season. Columbus finished the season with 66 points, the worst record in the Eastern Conference and the fourth fewest in the NHL. General Manager Don Waddell acknowledged the difficulties his team faced and emphasized the need for players who are fully committed to the team's future.
"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 said. "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."
Importantly for Columbus, the deal does not require them to retain any of Laine's salary. Laine’s contract, which carries an annual value of $8.7 million, has two years remaining, freeing up significant cap space for the Blue Jackets to explore additional moves.
Canadiens' Playoff Aspirations
For the Montreal Canadiens, acquiring Laine is a statement of intent. The Canadiens have missed the playoffs for three consecutive seasons, concluding the 2023-24 season with 76 points, a minor improvement from their 68-point finish in the previous season. Adding a player of Laine's caliber is expected to bolster their offensive capabilities and increase their chances of returning to postseason contention.
Jordan Harris, the young defenseman heading to Columbus, has shown promise and potential. While the Canadiens part ways with a developing talent, they gain an established scorer in Laine who can make an immediate impact.
This trade is a testament to the fluid nature of the NHL, where strategic moves and player preferences often dictate team dynamics. As Laine dons the Canadiens jersey, all eyes will be on his performance and how he gels with his new teammates. Meanwhile, the Blue Jackets fans will be hoping that the addition of Harris and the future draft pick will accelerate their rebuilding process and return them to competitive stature in the league.
The upcoming seasons for both the Blue Jackets and the Canadiens will undoubtedly be exciting as they navigate these new changes, looking to turn the page and forge ahead with renewed vigor.