Report: Patrik Laine Vetoed Trade to Another Team Before Accepting Canadiens

Patrik Laine has been a Montreal Canadien for just over a week now, but things could have turned out differently if not for his 10-team no-trade list.

According to hockey insider Renaud Lavoie, speaking on BPM Sports' Le Club du Matin, Laine used his no-trade clause to put the kibosh on a trade to another club.

Yes, there were other teams interested. Laine asked for a trade, as most people know. He apparently refused an offer [from another team] before the Canadiens’ one came in.

The Columbus Blue Jackets apparently had another deal in place prior to the Habs trade, but the mystery team was on Laine's 10-team no-trade list, and the player invoked it.

But when the Montreal offer came along, it was something that Laine was definitely interested in. “It’s a place he wanted to play,” Lavoie said.

The Habs sent defenseman Jordan Harris and a second-round pick to Columbus in return for Laine and his $8.7 million contract that still has two years to run. The Blue Jackets did not retain any of the cap hit.

Laine, the 6'5" winger and former elite sniper, had a troubling season last year, playing just 18 games and recording just six goals and nine points. He also spent six months in the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program.

The Canadiens are banking that the 26-year-old can return to his 30+ goal-scoring form.