BLOCKBUSTER TRADE INCOME: MONTREAL CANADIENS POISED TO LAND SUPERSTAR IN SHOCKING NHL DEAL…read more…

BLOCKBUSTER TRADE INCOME: MONTREAL CANADIENS POISED TO LAND SUPERSTAR IN SHOCKING NHL DEAL…read more…

August 19, 2024

In a stunning move that has sent shockwaves through the NHL, the Montreal Canadiens have acquired star winger Patrik Laine from the Columbus Blue Jackets. The trade, finalized on August 19, 2024, sees the Canadiens sending defenseman Jordan Harris to Columbus in exchange for Laine and a 2026 second-round draft pick .

Laine, 26, was the second overall pick in the 2016 NHL Draft and has since established himself as one of the league’s premier goal scorers. Over eight NHL seasons, he has amassed 204 goals and 184 assists in 480 regular-season games . However, his recent tenure with the Blue Jackets was marred by injuries and personal challenges. After suffering a broken clavicle in December 2023, Laine entered the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program in January 2024 to address mental health concerns. He was cleared to return in July 2024 and expressed a desire for a fresh start, leading to the trade request .

The Canadiens, recognizing an opportunity to bolster their offensive lineup, acted swiftly. General Manager Kent Hughes emphasized the importance of understanding Laine’s journey and ensuring he was ready for the Montreal market. “We did a lot of homework… Patrik didn’t shy away from the pressure that comes with this market,” Hughes noted .

Laine’s addition is expected to provide a significant boost to Montreal’s offense, which ranked 26th in goals per game last season. His presence could alleviate some of the scoring pressure on young stars like Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield . Moreover, the acquisition of a 2026 second-round pick, which could be a high-value selection given Columbus’s current rebuilding phase, adds further upside to the deal .

From Columbus’s perspective, the trade provides salary cap relief and adds a promising young defenseman in Jordan Harris. Harris, 24, has recorded eight goals and 24 assists in 131 career games over three seasons with Montreal . Blue Jackets GM 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.”

Laine, now the highest-paid player on the Canadiens with an annual salary of $8.7 million for the next two seasons, expressed enthusiasm about joining Montreal. “I’ve done a lot of work on myself to get me back to this point where I’m actually super excited about playing, in a new place, with new teammates, in a new city,” he shared .

The trade has been met with optimism by Canadiens players and fans alike. Forward Juraj Slafkovsky remarked, “I’m excited about the season, especially with the Patrik Laine trade… I pretty much can’t wait to be there already and play” .

As the Canadiens continue their rebuild, the acquisition of Laine represents a calculated risk with the potential for significant reward. If Laine can return to his elite scoring form, Montreal could accelerate its path back to playoff contention. Only time will tell if this blockbuster deal will be the catalyst for a new era of success in Montreal.