Patrik Laine headed to Montreal in major trade with rival Blue Jackets

In a significant shift for both teams, the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Montreal Canadiens have completed a major trade, marking the end of the ongoing saga with star forward Patrik Laine.

Recently exiting the NHL/NHLPA Players Assistance Program, Laine had already hinted at changes by putting his Columbus property up for sale and was spotted flying to Montreal last week.

The speculation fueled by Laine's movements seems to have been spot on. Columbus has sent Laine and a 2026 second-round draft pick to Montreal in exchange for defenseman Jordan Harris.

This trade not only fulfills Laine's wish for a new start but also allows Columbus to offload his hefty salary cap hit.

Jordan Harris, a third-round pick in the 2018 NHL Draft, brings a record of 32 points (8 goals, 24 assists) from 131 NHL games to the Blue Jackets.

His arrival could signal a strengthening of their defensive lineup, albeit with a career minus-five rating.

Montreal, on the other hand, seems poised for a promising rebuild with Laine's scoring prowess.

Teaming up with talents like Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki, Laine is set for a resurgence in a fresh environment under the guidance of GM Kent Hughes.

The Canadiens' fans are buzzing with anticipation as they speculate on Hughes's strategy and the potential chemistry on the ice.

The NHL community is keenly watching this development, as the impact of these roster changes will be significant for both teams.

How this trade shapes the futures of Laine and Harris, and their new teams, remains one of the season's most intriguing narratives.