NHL Draft Pick Patrik Laine Traded to Canadiens; Blue Jackets Land Jordan Harris | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats & Rumors

The Montreal Canadiens have acquired Patrik Laine and a 2026 second-round draft pick from the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for defenseman Jordan Harris.

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported Monday that talks between the Canadiens and the Blue Jackets regarding the forward had “started.”

That the Blue Jackets, the team that gave away the most notable player and seemingly in rebuilding mode after a fourth straight losing season, were also the ones to give away a draft pick comes as a bit of a surprise.

However, they will at least have more financial flexibility as they did not retain any of Laine’s $8.7 million salary, according to Aaron Portzline from Athletics.

Laine’s time at Columbus appeared to be over even before this trade.

He played only 18 games this season due to a broken left collarbone and was placed on the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program in January.

“After careful consideration and discussion with my support network and team, I have recognized the importance of prioritizing my mental health and well-being,” Laine said on Instagram at the time (h/t Stephen Whyno of the Associated Press). “Hockey is my passion and my life, but I have come to realize that I need to take this time to focus on myself in order to perform at my best.”

TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reported in June that Laine and the Blue Jackets were working together to close a deal this summer.

Columbus’ loss is Montreal’s gain, as the Canadiens will have more firepower on offense if Laine stays healthy. The 2017 All-Star led the league with 20 power-play goals during his second NHL season in 2017-18 en route to a career-high 70 points on 44 goals and 26 assists.

He began his career with four consecutive seasons of 50 or more points with the Winnipeg Jets, recording 56 points in 2021-22 and 52 points in 2022-23 for the Blue Jackets.

As for Columbus, Harris will provide additional defensive muscle.

The 24-year-old played 56 games last season and scored 14 points. He scored a plus-minus total of minus-five.