Former Jets sniper Patrik Laine dealt to Montreal
The Montreal Canadiens and Columbus Blue Jackets agreed to terms on a trade that will send former Winnipeg Jets star Patrik Laine to Montreal.
The trade sends Laine and a 2026 second round pick to Montreal in exchange for defenceman Jordan Harris.
Montreal GM Kent Hughes is choosing to look past the red flags surrounding the Finnish forward, who hasn’t dressed since Dec. 14 of last year after breaking his clavicle.
Laine’s time in Columbus was plagued by health issues—both physically and mentally.
He has not played a full season since his third year with the Jets in 2018-19, largely due to injury.
The trade to Montreal is Laine's second fulfilled trade request since coming into the league, to which he requested out of Winnipeg in 2020.
“We're looking for people that want to be part of something and part of what we're trying to do,” said Hughes in a Zoom conference with the media. “It’s not for me, it's not for Jeff Gorton, it's not for Geoff Molson, it's not for any one player. It's for all of us as an organization, and Patrik left us with the impression that he wanted to be part of that.”
Laine tallied 138 points in 174 games with Columbus—demonstrating that when healthy, he is still effective at generating offence.
Laine also spoke to the media over Zoom, where he shared his excitement to return to Canada.
“I've played in Canada before and I loved every minute of it, so I miss being back there, where hockey is the number one thing,” Laine said. “I really wanted to go to Montreal. I know the city, how much they care about the team and how passionate the fans are.”
The two-time 40-goal scorer, who just got cleared to skate again following his collarbone injury in December, is confident about his progress heading into the 2024 season.
“Overall, my body feels good. Obviously, we’re still about a month until camp, so I’ve got lots of time to make some adjustments. But overall, right now I feel really good,” said Laine.
Known for his goal-scoring ability, the winger seems adamant on fulfilling that role to his best abilities for his new squad.
“I don't want to come back as a 30-goal scorer. I want to come back as a 40-to-50 [goal scorer],” said Laine, “…But it's not just all about that. I want to come in and do whatever it takes to contribute to the team and make the team win.”
Laine is expected to be a part of Montreal’s top-six, additionally contributing on the power play.
The Canadiens announced Tuesday on social media that Laine will don No. 92 in his new home.
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