Patrik Laine reportedly rejected a trade to another Eastern Conference team
Patrik Laine is now officially a member of the Montreal Canadiens, but according to a Montreal sports reporter, he was almost traded to a divisional rival of the Columbus Blue Jackets.
At just 26, Laine is a strong forward with six 50-point seasons under his belt. However, injuries and personal struggles have affected his reputation among NHL fans, especially in Winnipeg and Columbus.
After getting injured last season with the Blue Jackets, Laine took time away from the game to focus on his mental health and well-being, spending most of the year in the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program before being cleared in July.
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."
Before his return, Laine's name was frequently mentioned in NHL trade rumors. Eventually, he was traded to the Montreal Canadiens along with a 2026 second-round pick in exchange for defenseman Jordan Harris.
However, according to Max Truman of BPM Sports Radio in Montreal, there was another trade deal in the works. Laine reportedly turned down a 1-for-1 trade that would have sent him to the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for Ryan Johansen. Johansen, who had just cleared waivers after the Flyers terminated his contract for a material breach, didn't make the cut.
Despite concerns about Laine's reliability, he's still considered a better option than Johansen, given his youth and Johansen's recent contract issues. While the Flyers are left to deal with their own problems, it seems the trade has worked out well for both the Blue Jackets and the Canadiens.
| POLL | ||
29 AOUT | 146 ANSWERS Patrik Laine reportedly rejected a trade to another Eastern Conference team Which team is the best fit for Patrik Laine? | ||
| Montreal Canadiens | 81 | 55.5 % |
| Philadelphia Flyers | 13 | 8.9 % |
| Winnipeg Jets | 14 | 9.6 % |
| Other | 38 | 26 % |
| List of polls | ||
