Columbus Blue Jackets Trade Patrik Laine to Montreal Canadiens
In a significant mid-season shakeup, the Columbus Blue Jackets executed a trade that sent Patrik Laine to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for defenseman Jordan Harris and a 2026 second-round draft pick. The move signals a new chapter for both the player and the franchises involved.
Laine, who joined the Blue Jackets just one game into the 2020-21 season, was originally drafted second overall in the 2016 NHL Draft by the Winnipeg Jets. During his early years with the Jets, Laine quickly established himself as an elite goalscorer, netting 80 goals over his first two seasons. However, his tenure with Columbus has been a mixed bag, punctuated by both flashes of brilliance and periods of struggle, including significant injuries and time away from the ice.
The trade comes after Laine's challenging 2022-23 season, in which he missed nine games due to a concussion and three more in December. Additionally, he entered the NHL/NHL Players' Association Player Assistance Program in late January, having posted six goals and nine points in just 18 games. Nonetheless, Laine managed to record consecutive 20-goal seasons in both 2021-22 and 2022-23, underlining his potential to be a top scorer when healthy and focused.
Despite Laine’s individual efforts, the Blue Jackets struggled collectively. The team closed the 2023-24 season with only 66 points, marking the worst record in the Eastern Conference and the fourth fewest points in the NHL. The team's inability to compete effectively necessitated reassessment and rebuilding, which led to this significant roster change.
Commenting on the trade, Blue Jackets General Manager Don Waddell stated, "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." He further noted, "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."
Harris, the player acquired in the trade, is recognized as a promising young defenseman. His addition is expected to fortify the Blue Jackets’ blue line while aligning with the team's long-term strategic goals. Acquiring a 2026 second-round pick also provides the Blue Jackets with future assets to bolster their roster as they look to rebuild and emerge from their current struggles.
For Laine, the trade to Montreal marks a new beginning. The Canadiens, who have missed the playoffs for three consecutive seasons, accumulated 68 points in 2022-23 and 76 points in 2023-24. While the team has been struggling recently, Laine’s presence could provide a much-needed scoring boost. His contract, which carries an annual value of $8.7 million with two years remaining, reflects his high profile within the league.
As fans from both Columbus and Montreal react to this high-profile trade, the broader NHL community will closely watch how Laine adjusts to his new surroundings and whether he can reignite his scoring prowess with the Canadiens. The Blue Jackets, on the other hand, will be looking to their new acquisition, Harris, and the future draft pick to play significant roles in their quest for resurgence.