Blue Jackets Acquire Defenseman Jordan Harris from Canadiens in Exchange for Patrik Laine and a Second-Round Pick

In a surprising trade move, the Columbus Blue Jackets have acquired defenseman Jordan Harris from the Montreal Canadiens. The deal involved sending forward Patrik Laine and a second-round selection in the 2026 draft to Montreal. Club President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Don Waddell confirmed the news.

Waddell expressed the team's desire to have players fully committed to the Blue Jackets, and Laine's expressed desire for a change of scenery led to the decision. The trade not only enabled the Blue Jackets to bring in a promising young player like Harris but also allowed them to maintain financial flexibility, something they highly valued. The team wished Laine all the best in his future endeavors.

Harris, a 24-year-old defenseman, was drafted by Montreal in the third round, 71st overall, at the 2018 NHL Draft. He has appeared in 131 NHL games, recording eight goals and 24 assists, totaling 32 points. In the 2023-24 season, he contributed 3 goals and 11 assists, accumulating 86 blocked shots and 43 shots on goal. Harris averaged 17 minutes and 28 seconds of ice time per game during this season.

The Haverhill, Massachusetts native showcased significant progress in the 2022-23 season, achieving career highs with 4 goals, 13 assists, and 17 points in 65 games. He also demonstrated defensive prowess, ranking second among all NHL rookies in blocked shots. His strong performance earned him a spot on the NCAA Second All-American Team in his senior year at Northeastern University.

In exchange for Harris, the Canadiens received Patrik Laine, a 26-year-old forward who has played in 480 NHL games. Laine boasts an impressive record of 204 goals, 184 assists, and 388 points throughout his career. Acquired by the Blue Jackets from the Winnipeg Jets in 2021, Laine contributed 6 goals and 3 assists in 18 games during the 2023-24 season.

This trade marks a significant development within the NHL, as two talented players switch teams. The Columbus Blue Jackets are hoping that the addition of Jordan Harris will bolster their defensive lineup, while the Montreal Canadiens are eager to see how Patrik Laine's scoring ability will enhance their offensive capabilities.

Both the Blue Jackets and the Canadiens are preparing for the upcoming 2024-25 season, and this trade adds to the speculation and anticipation surrounding their respective lineups. Fans will be closely watching the performances of Harris and Laine as they adapt to their new teams and contribute to the success of their organizations.