HABS LAND LAINE!
The Montreal Canadiens acquired forward Patrik Laine and a second-round draft pick in 2026 from the Columbus Blue Jackets for defenseman Jordan Harris.
What does it give the Montreal Canadiens
Montreal is taking a calculated risk in adding the 2016 second overall pick and 44 goal scorer. At his best, Laine is a pure goal scorer who can add some size and flair to the Canadiens lineup. The Habs hope a change of scenery can be the catalyst to Laine (still only 26) rediscovering past form. It is risky because the Canadiens have complicated their cap structure over the next two seasons, but they got a second-round draft pick for taking on Laine's full salary. This trade is high risk, high reward but the reward could catapult Montreal into a playoff contender.
What does it give the Columbus Blue Jackets
The Blue Jackets were in a very tough spot with Laine. He requested a trade and made it very clear that he would not report to training camp this year. Combined with a few down seasons recently (as well as personal issues), Columbus ended up selling fairly low on him. In return, they get a good young defenseman in Harris. He should slot into the Blue Jackets' D corps immediately, providing them with solid two-way play. Another important part of this trade for the Jackets was not having to retain any salary, giving them financial flexibility.
Fantasy impact
Fantasy managers should be cautiously optimistic with Laine now being a Canadien. On paper, it seems like it could be a great fit. He will get lots of opportunities to play as a top-six winger and on the power play, both areas that put him in the best position to be successful. Montreal will also most likely leave him on the wing (after the Blue Jackets tried him at center last season). Having Martin St. Louis as his coach should help Laine get his confidence back, too. Can Laine bounce back from a difficult year both on and off the ice? He just might be worth the gamble to many fantasy managers. As for Harris, he would need more power-play minutes than he saw in Montreal to become a draft-worthy option this year.
