TRADE SCENARIO: Canadiens Acquire $34 Million Winger

The NHL informed the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday, July 26, that veteran winger Patrik Laine is cleared to return to play by the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program. This news, first shared by Aaron Portzline of The Athletic, has intensified rumors about Laine's requested trade from Ohio, including a potential move to the Montreal Canadiens.

A trade proposal on PuckGM suggests the Canadiens could acquire Laine in exchange for two prospects and two draft picks outside of the first round:

**Canadiens Receive:**
- Patrik Laine ($4.4 million retained by Columbus)

**Blue Jackets Receive:**
- Sean Farrell
- Bogdan Konyushkov
- Canadiens 2025 2nd-Round Pick
- Canadiens 2026 4th-Round Pick

Marc Dumont of Montreal Hockey Now and Jim Parsons of NHL Trade Talk discussed the potential trade on July 26, both agreeing that Laine would be a perfect fit for the Canadiens roster.

«Laine fits within the age range of their core and would qualify as someone who could do well in the right environment,» Parsons wrote. Dumont added, «The Canadiens are looking for a permanent winger with above-average offensive instincts to fill a hole in the top six, and Laine certainly fits the bill.»

Laine has two years left on a contract with an $8.7 million salary cap hit, signed in the summer of 2022 with the Blue Jackets, worth $34.8 million over four seasons.

Canadiens the Perfect Fit for Patrik Laine?

The Montreal Canadiens are exploring options to bolster their top-six forward group, and Patrik Laine has emerged as a potential target. Laine, 26, fits the age range of the Canadiens' core players, making him a viable long-term addition with a solid and productive track record in the NHL. Despite not having played since 2023, Laine has maintained a consistent scoring pace of around 30 goals per season over the past three years.

The Blue Jackets are believed to retain part of Laine's salary in any trade scenario, seeking draft picks and prospects in return, according to Portzline. This potential salary retention and Laine's scoring ability make him a low-risk, high-reward acquisition for the Canadiens. However, General Manager Kent Hughes should tread carefully, as Laine has never fully settled in any team since turning pro and is coming off multiple months off the rink.

Laine's Tumultuous Career & Situation

Laine has endured significant challenges, including a stint in the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program for mental health reasons. He has not played a single game in the 2024 calendar year and only played 18 games in 2023, tallying 6 goals and 3 assists but posting a minus-10 rating. Laine also broke his clavicle on December 14 while facing the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Laine has expressed a desire for a «change of scenery,» and Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell confirmed interest from multiple NHL teams. Waddell initially aimed to complete a «hockey trade» but has shifted focus to landing prospects and draft picks instead.

Laine's limited no-trade clause allows him to block trades to 10 NHL teams, adding complexity to potential trade negotiations. Since being traded to Columbus in January 2021, Laine has scored 64 goals and 74 assists in 174 games but has missed 123 games due to various injuries and illnesses.