Details of failed Patrik Laine trade to Columbus Blue Jackets divisional rival leak publicly
Though Patrik Laine is now officially part of the Montreal Canadiens, one Montreal sports reporter alleged that he was close to a deal with a Columbus divisional rival.
Patrik Laine is undoubtedly a strong forward, recording six 50-point seasons at just 26 years old. However, the player has suffered on-ice injuries and personal struggles, earning him a less-than-reputable view from many NHL fans, particularly in Winnipeg and Columbus. After getting injured in the last season with the Blue Jackets and becoming overrun, he spent most of this year in the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program before clearing in July.
"I wanted to take a moment to address my need to step away from the game for a while. After careful consideration and discussions with my support network and the team, I have recognized the importance of prioritizing my mental health and well-being. Hockey has been my passion and my life, but I have come to realize that in order to perform at my best, I need to take this time to focus on myself.
I am grateful for the understanding and support of my team, the League, and our fans during this time. I look forward to returning to the ice with a clear mind and renewed energy. Thank you for respecting my privacy during this time and for your continued support.
With love, Patty."
I am grateful for the understanding and support of my team, the League, and our fans during this time. I look forward to returning to the ice with a clear mind and renewed energy. Thank you for respecting my privacy during this time and for your continued support.
With love, Patty."
Even before exiting the NHL, NHLPA's players assistance program, Patrik Laine was among the top names in NHL trade circle discussions. After being connected to several teams, the Columbus Blue Jackets forward was traded with a 2026 second-round pick to the Montreal Canadiens for defenseman Jordan Harris.
However, one reporter alleges that there was another trade deal on the table for Patrik Laine and a Columbus Blue Jackets divisional rival. According to Max Truman of BPM Sports Radio in Montreal, the Canadiens forward denied an offer to a 1-to-1 trade for Ryan Johansen from the Philadelphia Flyers, who just cleared waivers after the team terminated his contract for a material breach.
Though Patrik Laine has been deemed by many as unreliable, is likely still a better option for any team than Ryan Johansen, given both his youth and recent breach issues in the league. Though the Philadelphia Flyers still have that problem to figure out, it seems that things so far are working out best for the Columbus Blue Jackets and Montreal Canadiens.
| POLL | ||
AOÛT 30 | 120 ANSWERS Details of failed Patrik Laine trade to Columbus Blue Jackets divisional rival leak publicly Which team is the best fit for Patrik Laine? | ||
| Montreal Canadiens | 59 | 49.2 % |
| Philadelphia Flyers | 9 | 7.5 % |
| Columbus Blue Jackets | 12 | 10 % |
| About even/no opinion | 40 | 33.3 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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