Patrik Laine, originally from Tampere, Finland, was selected by the Winnipeg Jets as the second pick in the 2016 NHL draft. That same year, he played a key role in helping Finland secure a victory at the World Junior Championship in Helsinki. (Paul Vernon/The Associated Press)
The Montreal Canadiens have landed star winger Patrik Laine in a trade deal with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Along with Laine, the Canadians also received a second-round pick in the 2026 NHL draft. In exchange, the Blue Jackets acquired defenceman Jordan Harris. The move comes after a challenging year for Laine, who faced physical injuries and mental health battles that sidelined him for much of the season.
Laine, who broke his clavicle in December, later entered the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program to focus on his mental health. He expressed his excitement about this new chapter in his career, stating that he’s finally enjoying hockey again and is eager to contribute to the Canadians.
"When you’re not having fun doing what you love, it affects your performance," Laine said in a media call from Florida. "I wasn’t enjoying myself for a while, but now I’m the happiest I’ve ever been off the ice."
Laine shared that he spent time working on his mental health and is now in a much better place. He emphasized that he's looking forward to playing in a new city, with new teammates, and feels more prepared than ever to take on the challenges ahead.
Laine’s return to the ice was delayed earlier this year due to a setback in his injury recovery. After prioritizing his mental health through the NHL/NHLPA program, he was cleared to return to action in late July. Laine believes that the lessons he's learned over the past couple of years will help him as he makes his comeback.
The Canadians' general manager, Kent Hughes, assured fans that the organization thoroughly examined Laine's health and personal situation before making the deal. Hughes expressed confidence in Laine's readiness to perform at a high level, thanks to the open conversations between Montreal, Columbus, and Laine himself.
"We had candid discussions with Patrik and the Blue Jackets' GM, Don Waddell, which left us satisfied," Hughes said. "We did extensive homework, and while I won’t go into detail, we feel comfortable moving forward with Patrik."
Before his injury, Laine managed to score six goals and notch three assists in 18 games with the Blue Jackets last season. Over his eight-year NHL career, which includes stints with the Winnipeg Jets and Columbus, Laine has tallied 204 goals and 184 assists in 480 regular-season games. Despite his recent challenges, Laine’s skills on the ice remain sharp, and he is eager to get back into the game.
"Physically, I feel great, and my mind is in a really good place," Laine said. "I’m ready to get back on the ice and make an impact."
Laine's journey to the Canadians marks a significant milestone in his career. Originally from Tampere, Finland, he was drafted second overall by the Winnipeg Jets in 2016. He was a standout player for Finland's world junior championship team, earning a spot on the tournament's all-star team.
Laine is particularly excited to follow in the footsteps of Finnish hockey legend Saku Koivu, who served as the Canadians' captain for a decade. While he acknowledges that Koivu set a high bar, Laine is determined to give his best effort in Montreal.
"I may not be able to match what Saku did, but I'll do everything I can to be the best player I can be for this team," Laine said.
Laine's contract situation also works in favour of the Canadians. He signed a four-year, $34.8 million deal with the Blue Jackets in 2022. With two years remaining on the contract, Laine now becomes Montreal’s highest-paid player, surpassing captain Nick Suzuki. However, Hughes reassured fans that Laine’s salary won’t significantly affect the Canadians' cap space.
Jordan Harris, the defenceman traded to Columbus, has shown promise over his three seasons with the Canadians. Last season, Harris contributed three goals and 11 assists across 56 games. The Blue Jackets are hopeful that Harris will make a solid impact on their defensive lineup.
