Patrik Laine and the Columbus Blue Jackets have worked out a deal regarding his trade request. Defenseman Jordan Harris was acquired by the Blue Jackets on Monday afternoon in exchange for Laine and a 2026 second-round selection from the Montreal Canadiens.
Laine’s contract, which had two seasons remaining at $8.7 million AAV, included a clause stating that the Blue Jackets would not withhold any compensation.
Laine allegedly asked the Blue Jackets to move him during the previous regime of general manager Jarmo Kekalainen. But Laine’s dream was granted under Don Waddell.
Even though the return was disappointing, the Blue Jackets were ultimately forced to take this action at this time.
Restarting Our Journey Here
Laine had some difficulties during the 2023–24 season. He not only recovered from several ailments, but also joined the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program.
Laine’s trade request did indicate that he wasn’t interested in being on the Blue Jackets or in that atmosphere, even though it’s still unclear what specifically motivated him to enroll in the program. Waddell stated that Laine and new head coach Dean Evason had a friendly discussion, as we reported last week. Laine did, however, restate his wish to start over somewhere new.
Waddell declared last week that he had nothing substantial to offer. However, he was able to finalize a contract with Kent Hughes on Monday.
Don’t make a mistake. Waddell had a pressing need to close this agreement as quickly as possible. The team had to take action after it was made clear that Laine didn’t want to play for the Blue Jackets.
Entering training camp with any sort of distraction was the last thing the Blue Jackets needed, especially in light of the events of the past two seasons. After the transfer was finalized, they acquired financial flexibility and acquired a player who can benefit the squad, all without having to deal with any potential drama.
What is Traded for Blue Jackets
Two key elements are acquired by the Blue Jackets in the trade. As we previously said, by keeping none of Laine’s pay, they have financial flexibility.
The additional adaptability gives the Blue Jackets the ability to select their opponents when the right moment presents itself. They are not required to employ the cap space at this time, but once training camps begin, they may want to seize possibilities that present themselves across the league.
His ideal result would have been to be able to fully escape that contract. It was something he could accomplish. Jordan Harris is another player he managed to sign who might see NHL play.
Harris is seen as a bottom-four defenceman with some upside who can be useful. The model below indicates that Harris’s expected value is higher than his annual worth as of right now.
The return of Harris in the trade gives the Blue Jackets the flexibility to start a prospect like Denton Mateychuk in the AHL if they determine he needs more time there. It will be interesting to observe how prospect development is viewed by the incoming administration.
To seal the deal, the Blue Jackets had to throw in a second round pick in 2026. It’s not as important as first believed because it’s in two years. If the chance presents itself later, they can purchase more choices.
Blue Jackets Solved the Problem
Laine was not interested in become a Blue Jacket. Last week, Waddell informed us that every player he spoke with expressed a desire to contribute to the Blue Jackets’ solution.
It was just not an option for the Blue Jackets to have Laine in training camp. Montreal was able to take on the deal in its entirety because it possessed the cap space. In the given situation, Waddell felt that it was sufficient to seal the transaction.
This transaction is an illustration of how a team can take advantage of an odd circumstance and yet come out ahead. Waddell and Evason’s primary responsibilities will be to assess the team and ensure that the men in the room are motivated to be there.
Despite their lackluster return for a player with Laine’s potential, the Blue Jackets made sure the room would be in high condition when camp arrived. The importance of that to a team’s season-long preparation cannot be overstated.
After all, Laine gets a new beginning with the Canadiens, and the Blue Jackets have their own new beginning with financial flexibility. They made the most of the circumstance and were forced to make this arrangement.
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