Patrik Laine reportedly rejected a trade to Blue Jackets division rival

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Axel Williams
August 29, 2024 (10:30 PM)

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Patrik Laine is now a member of the Montreal Canadiens and it is all thanks to the trade the Columbus Blue Jackets made to bring Jordan Harris to Ohio.

According to reporter Max Truman, there were other teams interested in Laine. In fact, the Blue Jackets had a deal in place with a divisional rival. However, Laine ended up vetoing the trade, as he preferred to go somewhere else. What was the team you may ask? Well, the Philadelphia Flyers, of course.

The Flyers were actually going to send Ryan Johansen back to Columbus. Interestingly enough, not long after the trade was vetoed, Johansen was put on waiver and the Flyers terminated his contract. It is believed that this happened due to a pretty awful injury. While Johansen plans to file grievance against the termination, the Flyers are sticking to their guns.

It is a good thing the Blue Jackets made a trade with the Habs instead. After all, Johansen is unlikely to ever play again at this stage. It is a sad reality, but it seems to be where he is at. Or at least, that is how the Philadelphia Flyers feel.

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