Canadiens' Major Trade With Blue Jackets Looks Like a Stroke of Genius One Year Later
Photo credit: NHL
It will soon be exactly one year since the Montreal Canadiens and the Columbus Blue Jackets completed their major trade involving Patrik Laine.
On August 19th of last year, Kent Hughes indeed acquired Laine and a 2026 second-round pick in exchange for young defenseman Jordan Harris.
One year later, it's fair to call it a "trade that changed everything," according to player agent David Ettedgui.
"By giving up Laine and a 2026 second-round pick, Columbus didn't just do the Canadiens a favor. Through an unexpected chain reaction, the Blue Jackets sacrificed their own playoff spot last year."
- David Ettedgui
- David Ettedgui
No doubt about it!
As David clearly points out, the Blue Jackets were only two points behind the Montreal Canadiens in the race for a playoff spot.
If they had had Patrik Laine in their lineup-and if the Canadiens hadn't-would Columbus have clinched that playoff spot to face the Washington Capitals?
A stroke of genius by Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens with Patrik Laine
There's no other way to put it.
"It's a true hockey lesson. A big bravo to Kent Hughes and the Canadiens organization for this brilliant move."
- David Ettedgui
- David Ettedgui
See his full explanation:
A transaction that changed everything: The hidden impact of the Laine trade
The trade sending Patrik Laine to the Montreal Canadiens from the Columbus Blue Jackets has sparked much debate, but a crucial point seems to have escaped most analysts.
By trading Laine and a second-round pick in 2026, Columbus didn't just do the Canadiens a favor. Through an unexpected ripple effect, the Blue Jackets sacrificed their own playoff spot last year. Without the points contributed by Laine, the Canadiens would not have made the playoffs, and it was the Blue Jackets, with only a two-point deficit, who would have secured the final ticket.
This trade cost Columbus dearly. In addition to losing a productive player and a high draft pick, the team gave up playoff revenue and the valuable development of its young players in the heat of playoff action. Worse still, it allowed a direct competitor within their own conference to gain the momentum needed to transition from a rebuilding team to a playoff contender.
It's a true hockey lesson. A big congratulations to Kent Hughes and the Canadiens organization for this brilliant maneuver.
The upcoming season promises to be exciting for all CH fans!
The trade sending Patrik Laine to the Montreal Canadiens from the Columbus Blue Jackets has sparked much debate, but a crucial point seems to have escaped most analysts.
By trading Laine and a second-round pick in 2026, Columbus didn't just do the Canadiens a favor. Through an unexpected ripple effect, the Blue Jackets sacrificed their own playoff spot last year. Without the points contributed by Laine, the Canadiens would not have made the playoffs, and it was the Blue Jackets, with only a two-point deficit, who would have secured the final ticket.
This trade cost Columbus dearly. In addition to losing a productive player and a high draft pick, the team gave up playoff revenue and the valuable development of its young players in the heat of playoff action. Worse still, it allowed a direct competitor within their own conference to gain the momentum needed to transition from a rebuilding team to a playoff contender.
It's a true hockey lesson. A big congratulations to Kent Hughes and the Canadiens organization for this brilliant maneuver.
The upcoming season promises to be exciting for all CH fans!
Making the playoffs is huge for helping a young team take the next step, it's huge for young players gaining invaluable experience, and it's very attractive from an ownership standpoint.
Patrik Laine, 27 years old, ultimately tallied 33 points in 52 games with the Canadiens in 2024-25.
Jordan Harris, 25 years old, ultimately recorded 5 points in 33 games with the Blue Jackets in 2024-25.
Yes, this is possibly THE trade that allowed the Canadiens to make the playoffs and turn the corner in their rebuild.
| POLL | ||
AOUT 15 | 1107 ANSWERS Canadiens' Major Trade With Blue Jackets Looks Like a Stroke of Genius One Year Later If Patrik Laine had played for the Blue Jackets in 2024-2025, which of these teams would have made the playoffs? | ||
| Blue Jackets | 619 | 55.9 % |
| Montreal Canadiens | 488 | 44.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
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