The Montreal Canadiens and Seattle Kraken got together on a blockbuster trade that involved a few big names.  Heading to Montreal are Patrik Laine, Joel Eriksson Ek as well as a third round pick in 2024. 

To MTL: Patrik Laine, Joel Eriksson Ek and SEA 3 2024
To SEA: Jonathan Marchessault, Kailer Yamamoto, Luke Evangelista (P).

"We know it’s been a bit of a rough season for Patrik and this is the second time he’s been traded this year.  Hopefully, some stability will allow him to find his game and become the player that he was drafted to be," Canadiens general manager Ron Jones said. "The deal to acquire came together relatively quickly once Eriksson Ek’s name was added. Kailer Yamamoto has been terrific on the line with Connor and Marchessault’s fit in nicely on the second line. However, we had to take stock of our team and ignore our early success and not let it cloud our judgement on where we are as a franchise.  We haven’t made the playoffs in four straight years and there are still some massive holes on our team with players playing further up the depth chart than they should."

Laine, a 23-year-old winger, has been below a half point per game this season.  He’s also going to need to drastically increase his playmaking as five assists in 34 game won’t cut it.

"I definitely have to be better," Laine said Thursday. "I’m excited to come to Montreal and I want to show everyone that I can be a great player in this league. I can acknowledge that I can be better. I can be a better player. I haven't had the start of the season that I wanted."

As for Joel Eriksson Ek, the versatile, rugged forward only has four points (1-3-4) in 36 games this season.  To be fair, that is with very limited ice time, as he’s averaging less than seven minutes per game.  He is expected to be given a chance to play on the second line in Montreal, but how long he’ll get on the second line is anyone’s guess. 

"We gave up a three significant assets, but we got younger and hopefully given time .. better" said the Habs’ GM.

Montreal has been in a free fall with only one win in the last 11 games.  The Canadiens are hoping Laine and Eriksson Ek, can fit in with their new teammates quickly.

Fans won’t have to wait long to see the new guys as the team hosts the red-hot Blackhawks tonight.  Winners of their last four.

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