In 2016, debates raged over whether Auston Matthews or Patrik Laine should be selected first overall in that year’s NHL draft. Matthews was the presumed favorite, but Laine made a late push with standout performances in international tournaments and Finland’s top league. Despite the fierce debates, Matthews was eventually drafted first overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs, while Laine went second to the Winnipeg Jets.
Fast forward to today, and there’s no longer any debate between the two: Matthews is a three-time Rocket Richard Trophy winner, NHL MVP, and captain of the Leafs, while Laine is on his third team after a recent trade to the Montreal Canadiens. Injuries, including a broken clavicle and shoulder surgery, and time spent in the NHL’s Player Assistance Program have hampered Laine’s career in recent years. He scored just six goals in 18 games during the 2023-24 season, raising questions about his ability to remain an elite goal scorer.
However, when healthy, Laine remains a dangerous sniper. From the 2021-22 season through 2022-23, he managed 48 goals in 111 games with the Columbus Blue Jackets, and his 1.37 goals per 60 minutes of ice time were comparable to players like Kyle Connor, Elias Pettersson, and Aleksander Barkov. Over his three seasons in Columbus, Laine scored at a 0.38 goals per game pace, ranking 43rd in the league.
Given his elite goal-scoring potential, the Canadiens are banking on Laine rediscovering his form. Laine expressed excitement about the move to Montreal, stating that he’s mentally and physically in a better place after addressing his mental health and rehabbing his shoulder.
At 26 years old, Laine is still relatively young, and the Canadiens are taking a calculated gamble by acquiring him. Montreal’s front office had the cap space to absorb his $8.7 million annual average salary, and they received a second-round pick from Columbus in the deal. For Montreal, adding a player of Laine’s offensive caliber is a clear bet on a potential payoff.
If Laine can stay healthy and motivated, he could provide a significant boost to a Montreal offense that ranked 26th in goals per game last season. His presence could take some of the scoring pressure off Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and Juraj Slafkovsky, adding depth and versatility to the Canadiens’ attack, both at even strength and on the power play.
To land Laine, the Canadiens had to part with young defenseman Jordan Harris, a player with solid two-way capabilities. Harris, who averaged 17:28 minutes of ice time in 56 games last season, now joins a Blue Jackets team looking to solidify their defense. Montreal’s decision to move Harris reflects the team’s depth at the blue line, with a crop of young defenders such as Kaiden Guhle, Arber Xhekaj, and David Reinbacher showing promise.
For Montreal, Laine’s offensive upside makes this trade an exciting possibility. While there are concerns about his inconsistency and defensive effort, his ability to score goals is undeniable. Laine has shown he can be a game-changer, and if he can regain his form, the Canadiens could have a major asset on their hands.
From Columbus’s perspective, the addition of Harris strengthens their defense and clears cap space to continue rebuilding. The Blue Jackets will also benefit from the second-round pick Montreal sent as part of the deal, adding another asset to their draft arsenal.
The Patrik Laine trade is a bold move that comes with risks for both teams. However, if Laine can get back to being the elite scorer he was early in his career, Montreal could look back on this deal as a defining moment in their rebuild. For Columbus, the opportunity to move on from Laine and gain future assets presents a new direction. Time will tell if this gamble pays off for the Canadiens, but one thing is certain: Laine’s next chapter in Montreal will be closely watched.
