Columbus Blue Jackets trade Patrik Laine to conference rival: he will be a member of the Montreal Canadiens

It was announced today that the Columbus Blue Jackets are trading forward Patrik Laine to the Montreal Canadiens.

Patrik Laine, the second overall pick in 2016, is a former NHL 40-goal scorer. In his career he has played for the Winnipeg Jets and the Columbus Blue Jackets. He carries an $8.7 million salary, and is under term for two more years.

As for the Montreal Canadiens, they will be adding an elite goalscorer who recently got out of the NHLPA player assistance program. Considering the teams emphasis on culture, Patrik Laine could be a great addition to the locker room.

Top NHL insider Elliotte Friedman tweeted just now that Patrik Laine is likely heading to Montreal, and Friedman never makes a post without being certain. It is nearly 100% that Elliotte Friedman is right and that Patrik Laine will be a member of the Montreal Canadiens.

Patrik Laine's best season in the NHL was his 44-goal sophomore season, but he has hovered around a point-per-game his entire career. Potentially joining playmaking centres Nick Suzuki or Kirby Dach would be an incredible sight.

At 6-foot-5, he is yet another big addition to the Canadiens lineup featuring 6-foot-4 Dach, 6-foot-3 Juraj Slafkovsky, and more.

What a day for the Montreal Canadiens and general manager Kent Hughes.

Another top Montreal Canadiens source, Renaud Lavoie, has confirmed the rumours.

UPDATE

Elliotte Friedman has now confirmed. Patrik Laine is a member of the Montreal Canadiens.

The full trade is Jordan Harris for Patrik Laine along with a second round pick in 2026.

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