The Columbus Blue Jackets followed through on Patrik Laine’s trade request on Monday, sending the forward and a second round pick to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for defenseman Jordan Harris.
Using NHL 24 Franchise Mode, we wanted to see how the game perceives the trade.
The 2026 second rounder was a sweetener for Montreal to take on the entirety of Laine’s $8.7 million salary through 2025-26.
Related: Trading Cody Ceci to San Jose in NHL 24
Laine had requested a trade from Columbus in early June after four up-and-down seasons with the Blue Jackets. A three-time 30 goal scorer, Montreal was able to use their defensive prospect depth to trade for a high-upside forward.
In NHL 24 none of the three assets that were moved were on the other team’s trad block. When we proposed the deal as Columbus the Canadiens immediately accepted and said their fans would be cheering in the street.
When we proposed the deal as Montreal the Blue Jackets were completely unwilling to deal Laine. We tried to trade Harris straight up for Laine and were once again shutdown.
NHL 24 does not have the ability to take Laine’s trade request or Columbus’ need to shed salary into account, but the game certainly believes Montreal comes out ahead in this trade.
For more NHL 24 trade simulations make sure you bookmark The Hockey News Gaming Site.
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