Patrik Laine Traded to Montreal: Blue Jackets Land Jordan Harris
In a significant trade that has caught the hockey world’s attention, the Columbus Blue Jackets have sent star forward Patrik Laine to the Montreal Canadiens. In return, the Blue Jackets acquired defenseman Jordan Harris and a 2026 second-round pick. Notably, the Blue Jackets did not retain any of Laine's salary in this transaction.
Laine, who joined Columbus just one game into the 2020-21 season, was initially drafted No. 2 overall in 2016 by the Winnipeg Jets. He had an impressive start to his career, netting 80 goals in his first two seasons with Winnipeg. However, his tenure with the Blue Jackets has been marred by injuries and inconsistent play.
In the 2022-23 season, Laine faced challenges, missing nine games early on due to a concussion, and an additional three games in December. Later, in January, Laine entered the NHL/NHL Players' Association Player Assistance Program. Prior to this, he had recorded six goals and nine points in 18 games.
Despite these setbacks, Laine managed to achieve consecutive 20-goal seasons in both 2021-22 and 2022-23, showcasing his skill and potential. However, the Blue Jackets struggled collectively, finishing the 2023-24 season with just 66 points. This marked the worst record in the Eastern Conference and the fourth fewest points in the NHL.
Blue Jackets General Manager Don Waddell commented on the trade, stating, "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 added, "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."
Jordan Harris, the young defenseman acquired by the Blue Jackets, brings potential and promise to the team. While Montreal gains a prolific scorer in Laine, Columbus hopes that Harris and the strategic draft pick will contribute to their future success.
For the Montreal Canadiens, this trade aims to bolster a roster that has missed the playoffs for three consecutive seasons. The Canadiens finished the 2022-23 season with 68 points and slightly improved to 76 points in the 2023-24 season. The addition of Laine, who has two years remaining on his contract with an annual value of $8.7 million, is expected to provide a significant offensive boost.
Laine's arrival brings hope and excitement to Montreal, a city with a storied hockey heritage. Fans will be eager to see if he can reignite his early career form and lead the Canadiens back to playoff contention.
This trade marks a pivotal moment for both franchises. The Blue Jackets have chosen a path towards rebuilding with a focus on young talent and future flexibility. Meanwhile, the Canadiens are betting on Laine’s talent to help them climb the standings.
As the upcoming season approaches, all eyes will be on Laine to see if he can adapt to his new surroundings and deliver the offensive prowess that made him a top draft pick and an early star in his career. Columbus, on the other hand, will be keenly watching Harris’ development and the impact of their strategic draft pick, aiming for a return to competitiveness in the near future.
In professional sports, change is often necessary for growth and success. For Patrik Laine and the Columbus Blue Jackets, this trade signifies the dawn of new opportunities and fresh starts. As both Laine and his former team embark on their respective journeys, the 2023-24 NHL season promises to be an intriguing chapter in their ongoing stories.