Patrik Laine Joins Montreal Canadiens

Big news in the hockey world as Patrik Laine has officially been traded to the Montreal Canadiens from the Columbus Blue Jackets. In return, the Canadiens will be giving up young defenseman Jordan Harris, along with a second-round pick in 2026.

This move means Laine will now be the highest-paid player on the Canadiens’ roster, with an annual salary of $8.7 million for the next two years. It looks like Nick Suzuki is no longer the top earner in Montreal.

Laine’s trade marks a bold step for the Canadiens as they aim to shake up their offensive strategy. After expressing a desire to leave Columbus, multiple teams were interested in acquiring him, including the Buffalo Sabres and Minnesota Wild. However, it was Montreal that won the bidding war.

At just 26 years old, Laine has proven he can score goals like few others in the league. He’s often compared to top-tier shooters like Steven Stamkos and Auston Matthews. However, his career has been a bit of a roller coaster since he left the Winnipeg Jets, with inconsistent performances and struggles with mental health issues.

Laine is on a four-year contract worth $34.8 million that runs until the 2025-2026 season. While he has the potential to be a major offensive player, injuries and time spent in the NHL/NHLPA Players’ Assistance Program have limited his playing time.

In Columbus, Laine didn’t have the support he needed to thrive; his most frequent linemate was Boone Jenner, who has been more of a secondary scorer than a playmaker. On defense, he often had help from Andrew Peeke, but that partnership didn’t quite compensate for his defensive shortcomings.

With the Canadiens, Laine may finally find the environment he needs to jumpstart his career. The team has a more solid defensive structure and coaching staff that could leverage his strengths while minimizing his weaknesses, helping him return to form.

Montreal’s gamble on Laine could pay off, provided they keep him healthy and find a role that suits his talents. His relatively short contract and undeniable skill set offer some wiggle room for the team. However, concerns about Laine’s consistency and ability to manage rough patches remain.

It will be up to head coach Martin St-Louis to integrate Laine into the team effectively. If everything clicks, this trade could be one of the best moves of the offseason. But if health and inconsistency issues linger, Montreal might find themselves regretting this bold decision.

Interestingly, hockey fans may recall that Hockey30 predicted this trade back in late July, suggesting that Arber Xhekaj hoped to see Harris get traded for Laine. At the time, it seemed like a longshot, but now it’s a reality. This trade not only changes the salary structure for the Canadiens but also opens new opportunities for Xhekaj within the team.