Canadiens Make Trade For Patrik Laine With Blue Jackets

This update follows Canadiens insider Eric Engels’ appearance on The Sick Podcast with Tony Marinaro, where he addressed the rumors connecting the Canadiens to a trade for Laine. While the Canadiens have been heavily discussed as a potential suitor for Laine, Engels suggests it’s time to “get real” about the situation, noting that the team’s interest would likely be “minimal” at best.

Again, maybe things have changed.

Engels said that Laine was on the market for a reason and added that the winger’s production has dropped. That in combination with him coming out of the Player’s Assistance Program made it feel like the odds of the Canadiens showing real interest were low. “It just has been lacking in different departments. He wants a new start, I can understand that,” Engels said. He added that no teams had really stepped up but one and explained, “I don’t know that the Montreal Canadians are one of them they feel they have an extremely healthy room. Whether or not they want to incorporate somebody like him and what he’s coming with into it at this juncture of their development is a question.”

As for what the Canadiens are willing to offer in return or how much salary the Blue Jackets would need to retain in the trade has yet to be determined. We’ll have the details of the trade return as they are learned. Frank Seravalli is reporting that the Blue Jackets did not retain salary in the deal. That suggests the Canadiens didn’t have to pay much to acquire Laine. He is reporting that defenseman Jordan Harris s going back to the Blue Jackets.