If you had big expectations for a Patrik Laine trade, you were probably underwhelmed by the return the Blue Jackets got from the Montreal Canadiens on Monday.
Laine was dealt to the Habs along with a 2026 2nd round pick, in exchange for defenseman Jordan Harris. From a hockey transaction perspective, this is a pure salary cap dump by the Blue Jackets, who opt for a lesser return in order to not retain any salary.
The trade brings a sudden end to the Patrik Laine era in Columbus; an era that was mostly forgettable.
Originally the 2nd overall pick at the 2016 NHL Draft, Laine was acquired by the Blue Jackets from the Winnipeg Jets, along with Central Ohio native Jack Roslovic; back in January 2020. The Jackets dealt disgruntled center Pierre-Luc Dubois to the Jets, along with a third round draft pick.
Laine's time in Columbus was supposed to rejuvenate a once promising career. This seemed to be the case in his first two full seasons with the team, when he was a point-per-game player. But last year's Blue Jackets collapsed early, and the big Finnish sniper missed time due to a concussion and then broken clavicle.
His season ended due to a stay with the NHLPA's Players Assistance Program - and his time with the Blue Jackets ended in much the same way it started: with a trade request. Patrik has now requested his way out of the only two NHL cities he's played in, due to "locker room issues". He told new head coach Dean Evason as much recently.
GM Don Waddell was very clear this summer about not wanting to retain salary, and the return in this trade reflects that desire. He throws in a second round draft pick along with Laine, returning only defenseman Jordan Harris from the Canadiens.
While this may seem underwhelming at first, I'm not certain about that. This may be an example of addition by subtraction for the Blue Jackets. They avoid starting their season with a potentially massive distraction in front of them, with Laine not wanting to play another game in Columbus.
And, let's be completely honest here: it wasn't working out with Laine in Columbus. He's an elite shooter, which makes him a dangerous goal scoring threat, especially on the power-play. But the team was often left wanting so much more from their second-highest paid forward. Especially at 5 on 5. It never came.
His arrival sparked the beginning of the full rebuild. Maybe his departure will be the first step they take coming out of that rebuild. Allocating his cap hit to solidify other areas of the lineup, certainly wouldn't hurt.
Jordan Harris brings defensive acumen and leadership potential...
In Harris, they get a serviceable depth defenseman. The 24 year old was a third round pick at the 2018 NHL Draft, and he's played in 121 games for the Canadiens over the last two seasons, with pretty solid results. Especially in the defensive zone:
I really like this trade for Columbus; Jordan Harris looks really strong defensively. pic.twitter.com/bohmAPiNZL
— Micah Blake McCurdy (@IneffectiveMath) August 19, 2024
If Harris can take that vacant third pairing job for the Blue Jackets and bring them reliable D-zone minutes, he'll be a nice addition to the roster. It looks like he's capable enough, and if he helps this team surrender fewer goals, they will be in better shape. He's also touted as a mature, natural leader. Can't have too many of those around.
While throwing a future second round pick into the deal stings a little, it's well worth it to not retain any of Laine's salary. The team was able to fully cut ties and move on here, cleaning up the potential for drama early in the season. While it may seem like an underwhelming deal, this trade could very well be a move that helps chart a new course for the Blue Jackets.