The trade that sent Patrik Laine to the Montreal Canadiens from the Columbus Blue Jackets has already been dissected from every angle.
Yet, one major element seems to have escaped the attention of most observers. By giving up the Finnish forward, along with a 2026 second-round pick, Columbus didn't just lighten its payroll or give the Canadiens a boost.
Without Laine in their lineup, the Canadiens likely wouldn't have accumulated the points needed to secure their ticket to the spring.
See the full summary from former NHL agent and columnist, David Ettedgui:
A transaction that changed everything: The hidden impact of the Laine trade
The trade sending Patrik Laine to the Montreal Canadiens from the Columbus Blue Jackets has sparked much debate, but a crucial point seems to have escaped most analysts.
By trading Laine and a second-round pick in 2026, Columbus didn't just do the Canadiens a favor. Through an unexpected ripple effect, the Blue Jackets sacrificed their own playoff spot last year. Without the points contributed by Laine, the Canadiens would not have made the playoffs, and it was the Blue Jackets, with only a two-point deficit, who would have secured the final ticket.
This trade cost Columbus dearly. In addition to losing a productive player and a high draft pick, the team gave up playoff revenue and the valuable development of its young players in the heat of playoff action. Worse still, it allowed a direct competitor within their own conference to gain the momentum needed to transition from a rebuilding team to a playoff contender.
It's a true hockey lesson. A big congratulations to Kent Hughes and the Canadiens organization for this brilliant maneuver.
The upcoming season promises to be exciting for all CH fans!
The trade sending Patrik Laine to the Montreal Canadiens from the Columbus Blue Jackets has sparked much debate, but a crucial point seems to have escaped most analysts.
By trading Laine and a second-round pick in 2026, Columbus didn't just do the Canadiens a favor. Through an unexpected ripple effect, the Blue Jackets sacrificed their own playoff spot last year. Without the points contributed by Laine, the Canadiens would not have made the playoffs, and it was the Blue Jackets, with only a two-point deficit, who would have secured the final ticket.
This trade cost Columbus dearly. In addition to losing a productive player and a high draft pick, the team gave up playoff revenue and the valuable development of its young players in the heat of playoff action. Worse still, it allowed a direct competitor within their own conference to gain the momentum needed to transition from a rebuilding team to a playoff contender.
It's a true hockey lesson. A big congratulations to Kent Hughes and the Canadiens organization for this brilliant maneuver.
The upcoming season promises to be exciting for all CH fans!
A Costly Decision for the Columbus Blue Jackets
Indeed, the Blue Jackets finished the season just two points away from the final qualifying spot. If Montreal had missed the playoffs, they would have inherited that precious position. Ironically, by indirectly strengthening an Eastern rival, Columbus shot itself in the foot.
This reality puts the true price paid by the Blue Jackets into perspective. Beyond losing a talented player and a draft pick, the trade cost them a rare opportunity to participate in the playoffs.
Today, Columbus's management must deal with this unforeseen consequence. As for the Canadiens, they not only enjoy adding an elite scorer, but also benefit from the trade playing out in their favor on every level. A double-impact trade.. but not for everyone.
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