Patrik Laine is headed back north.
The Montreal Canadiens acquired Laine from the Columbus Blue Jackets, along with a second-round pick in the 2026 NHL draft, in exchange for defenseman Jordan Harris.
“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,” Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell said in a press release. “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.”
The Canadiens have traded defenseman Jordan Harris to the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for forward Patrik Laine and a second-round pick in 2026
News release ↓ #GoHabsGo https://t.co/EEuIsLb32E
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) August 19, 2024
Laine, 26, played 18 games last season, recording six goals and nine points. He spent time in the NHL and NHLPA player assistance program to focus on his mental health, and he dealt with multiple injuries, including a fractured clavicle.
The Tampere, Finland, native has two seasons left on his contract with an $8.7-million cap hit. The second-overall pick in 2016 first joined the Blue Jackets in a trade in January 2021 from the Winnipeg Jets.
Harris, meanwhile, had three goals and 11 assists for 14 points in 56 games last season for the Canadiens. The 24-year-old has played parts of three seasons in the NHL, recording 24 assists and 32 points in 131 career games. Montreal originally selected Harris in the third round, 71st overall, in 2018.
Harris is in the second year of a two-year contract worth $1.4 million per year. Barring a contract extension, he’ll become an RFA afterward.
Updated #Habs projected lineup after acquiring F Patrik Laine from Columbus.
https://t.co/WqacQkZcN0— NHL Rosters (@NHL_Rosters) August 19, 2024
On Friday, Waddell told TSN that Laine had wanted a trade before the new GM joined the team, saying there were some “things going on in the locker room.” Waddell added at the time he had difficulty finding the right trade because of the cap hit but that there were a couple of teams he was speaking to.
More to come. Check out where Laine slots into Montreal’s depth chart on The Hockey News’ lineups site.
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Related: NHL Prospect Pool Overview 2024-25: Montreal Canadiens Got Their Game-Breaking Talent
Related: Earlier Monday: Will Patrik Laine Be Traded Before the NHL Season?
News Summary:
- Montreal Canadiens End the Patrik Laine Trade Rumors, Acquire Him from Blue Jackets
- Check all news and articles from the latest NHL updates.