On Monday, Montreal Canadiens General Manager Kent Hughes took a strategic gamble by acquiring winger Patrik Laine from the Columbus Blue Jackets. The move, while bold, carries relatively low risk and potentially high reward for the Canadiens.
Laine, a one-time 44-goal scorer with the Winnipeg Jets, joins Montreal as the team seeks to bolster its scoring capabilities. In exchange, the Canadiens sent 24-year-old defenseman Jordan Harris to Columbus and received a second-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. Losing Harris is not a significant blow to the Canadiens, given their deep defensive lineup featuring several young talents.
The primary concern with Laine involves his recent performance and health issues. The Finnish forward’s impressive 44-goal season occurred in 2017-18, and he has not hit the 30-goal mark since then. Last season was particularly challenging for Laine; he played only 18 games, scoring just six goals before suffering a broken left clavicle that required surgery. Additionally, he entered the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program in January to address mental health concerns.
Despite these challenges, Hughes remains optimistic about Laine’s potential. In a video conference following the trade, Hughes acknowledged the inherent risk in any trade but emphasized the potential benefits. Hughes had been in discussions with Columbus GM Don Waddell for several weeks and even spoke directly with Laine. He believes that Laine is now in a better mental state and is eager to play in Montreal.
Hughes also consulted with various individuals familiar with Laine’s career, including Pascal Vincent, who was Laine’s head coach in Columbus last season and an assistant coach there prior. Vincent, now the head coach of the AHL’s Laval Rocket, could provide valuable insights into Laine’s character and work ethic. Additionally, Canadiens’ executive vice-president of hockey operations Jeff Gorton and head coach Martin St. Louis had conversations with Laine over the weekend.
Another factor in Hughes’ decision was Laine’s contract situation. With only two years remaining on his deal and an $8.7 million cap hit, Laine will become the highest-paid player on the Canadiens, surpassing captain Nick Suzuki, who has a $7.875 million cap hit. This financial commitment reflects Hughes’ belief in Laine’s potential impact.
Laine was reportedly seeking a fresh start away from Columbus, and the Blue Jackets allowed Montreal access to his medical records. Hughes reassured Laine about the pressures of playing in Montreal and noted that Laine was not deterred by the high expectations.
The addition of Laine is seen as a crucial step in Montreal’s rebuilding process. The Canadiens have missed the playoffs for the past three seasons, and Hughes is focused on enhancing the team’s offensive capabilities. Along with recent draft picks Ivan Demidov and Michael Hage, Laine’s presence is expected to provide immediate support and contribute to the team’s long-term goals.
Hughes emphasized that Laine’s success in Montreal will not be solely measured by goal totals but by his overall contribution to the team. He hopes Laine will use his experience to mentor younger players and help them succeed, reflecting on his own early career experiences in Winnipeg.
Overall, Hughes’ acquisition of Laine represents a low-risk maneuver with the potential for substantial rewards, aligning with the Canadiens’ broader strategy to strengthen their roster and improve their competitive standing.
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