Friedman reported Monday that Columbus would not retain any of Laine’s salary as part of the trade.
Laine requested a move in June after struggling in recent years since being traded by the Winnipeg Jets to Columbus in 2021, posting less than 30 points in parts of four seasons with the Blue Jackets.
It wasn’t always so for Laine, a first round selection by Winnipeg in 2016, who began his career setting several franchise records and finding himself amongst the league’s top scorers.
However, injuries played a large part in his sub-standard stretch as of late, as he hit the injured list over two dozen times in his tenures with Winnipeg and Columbus.
But now the Finnish international will have a new opportunity with a young Montreal team in need of veteran presence.
Perhaps another change in scenery will be just what he needs to revive what was once a promising career.
