Reports spilled out near 4 p.m. Monday that the Montreal Canadiens were the team that won the Patrik Laine sweepstakes. The Canadiens trade not only includes Laine, but the Columbus Blue Jackets also included a second-round pick in exchange for young Canadiens defenseman Jordan Harris.
Laine was recently cleared by the NHL Player Assistance Program and requested a trade for a fresh start after a couple of seasons with Columbus. Last season, a shoulder injury and entering the program limited Laine to 18 games. He scored six goals with nine points.
Reports indicate the Canadiens will absorb all of Laine’s $8.7 million cap hit, which runs through the 2025-26 season.
In giving up the 24-year-old Harris, the Canadiens have not sacrificed a player expected to be a primary contributor in the NHL lineup. The arrival of Lane Hutson was likely to push Harris to the press box or AHL.
Last season, Harris played in 56 games, scoring three goals with 11 assists.
Laine already projects to add significant scoring to the Canadiens’ top six, perhaps taking the right side beside Alex Newhook, for which was the spot Kirby Dach was projected.
According to Puckpedia, the Canadiens are projected to be slightly more than $1 million over the NHL salary cap. Montreal Hockey Now beat writer Marc Dumont will have further analysis.
