Canadiens Land Patrik Laine Via Trade With Blue Jackets

Canadiens Land Patrik Laine Via Trade With Blue Jackets

This one isn’t really a secret given the fact that Patrik Laine and the Blue Jackets both mutually agreed to a divorce. It was always about finding the right trade partner. A Laine trade finally went down today and Columbus found a team that would take on his entire $8.7 million cap hit.

Since the Canadiens are taking on the full cap hit, they are also receiving a second round pick along with Laine. Defenseman Jordan Harris is the only piece heading to Columbus in return.

Frank Seravalli over at Daily Faceoff was the first to report the news:

The fact that Columbus isn’t retaining on this deal at all obviously decreased the return. The fact that the Blue Jackets had to give up a second round pick along with Laine to make this happen says everything you need to know. For Montreal, you understand why they’re taking the risk. He’s a great finisher and that caliber of shot is just hard to find.

Harris, 24, on the surface, appears to be an up-and-coming D with potential. The problem is he’s an RFA next year and doesn’t exactly have a ton of raw stats to suggest he should get a big deal. A logical player to lump into a deal like this.

I just hope this works out but I’m skeptical it won’t. Are we sure this is the right market for Laine after he’s coming out of the player’s assistance program?

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