The NHL offseason has been buzzing with trade rumors surrounding Patrik Laine, and the speculation has finally come to an end.
As we predicted back in July, Laine has been traded to the Montreal Canadiens in a move that is sure to shake up the league.
Laine to Montreal: Canadiens Acquire High-Scoring Winger in Bold Move
The Canadiens acquired Laine and a 2026 second-round pick from the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for defenseman Jordan Harris. The trade involved no salary retention, meaning Montreal will take on the entirety of Laine’s $8.7 million cap hit for the next two seasons.
Laine, the second overall pick in the 2016 NHL Draft, brings a potent scoring touch to Montreal. He has amassed 204 goals and 388 points in 480 career games with the Winnipeg Jets and Blue Jackets.
Fan Reactions to the Laine Trade
The trade has sparked a wide range of reactions from fans. Some are thrilled with the acquisition, believing Laine’s offensive prowess will inject much-needed firepower into the Canadiens’ lineup. Others are more skeptical, questioning the wisdom of taking on Laine’s hefty contract for a team that is not expected to contend for a playoff spot this season.
Here are some of the sentiments expressed on social media:
- “Another Kent Hughes fleece. I love that man. I love the Habs. Welcome Laine.”
- “A last-placed team like Montreal who won’t be making the playoffs this year is taking on $9M AAV for the next two years on an infamously lazy player. That money could be better spent elsewhere. Or spent when they’re actually ready to compete.”
- “Nothing to lose for Montreal. This reminds me of when they took on Sean Monahan, and they ended up getting 2 firsts for trading for him and away. The same thing could happen with Laine.”
Expert Insight
From my perspective, this trade represents a calculated gamble for the Canadiens. Laine has the potential to be a game-changer, but he also comes with risks. His work ethic and defensive play have been questioned in the past.
However, Montreal is in a position where they can afford to take this risk. They are not expected to compete for a playoff spot this season, so they can give Laine the time and space he needs to adjust to his new surroundings and rediscover his best form. If he can do that, the Canadiens could have a superstar on their hands.
Stay connected with the Habs!
Stay up-to-date with the latest Montreal Canadiens news, participate in our online hockey pool, and discover what happened this day in NHL history (August 19th). Plus, find out what channel the Canadiens game is on TV today.
Add nhltraderumor.com to your bookmarks and sign up for our newsletter below for all the latest NHL trade rumors and analysis.
