Patrik Laine, NHL Draft Pick Traded to Canadiens; Blue Jackets Land Jordan Harris

The Montreal Canadiens have acquired Patrik Laine and a 2026 second-round draft pick from the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for defenseman Jordan Harris.

Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet had previously reported Monday that talks between the Canadiens and Blue Jackets regarding the forward had gained "traction."

That the Blue Jackets, who are the team trading away the more notable player and seemingly in rebuilding mode after a fourth straight losing season, were the ones also moving a draft pick is somewhat surprising.

Still, they will at least have more financial flexibility since they did not retain any of Laine's $8.7 million salary, per Aaron Portzline of The Athletic.

Laine's time with Columbus also seemed to be over even before this trade.

He played just 18 games this past season because of a fractured left clavicle and then entered the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program in January.

"After careful consideration and discussion with my support network and the team, I have recognized the importance of prioritizing my mental health and well-being," Laine said on Instagram at the time (h/t Stephen Whyno of the Associated Press). "Hockey has been my passion and my life, but I have come to realize that in order to perform at my best, I need to take this time to focus on myself."

Pierre LeBrun of TSN reported in June that Laine and the Blue Jackets were working together to get a deal done this offseason.

Columbus' loss is Montreal's gain, as the Canadiens will have more firepower on their offense if Laine can stay healthy. The 2017 All-Star led the league with 20 power-play goals during his second NHL season in 2017-18 on his way to a career-high 70 points on 44 goals and 26 assists.

He started his career with four straight seasons of 50 or more points on the Winnipeg Jets and notched 56 points in 2021-22 and 52 points in 2022-23 for the Blue Jackets.

As for Columbus, Harris will provide additional defensive depth.

The 24-year-old appeared in 56 games last season and posted 14 points and a plus-minus total of minus-five.