Montreal acquired Laine (collarbone) and a 2026 second-round pick from Columbus on Monday in exchange for Jordan Harris.
Laine generated six goals, nine points, 41 shots on net and 14 blocked shots across 18 regular-season appearances with the Blue Jackets in 2023-24. He has been cleared to return from the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program but is still recovering from a clavicle fracture he sustained against Toronto on Dec. 14. If he is good to go for the beginning of 2024-25, Laine could return to the 50-point plateau with the Canadiens while playing in the top six and seeing time on the power play.