Patrik Laine: Kent Hughes completed the best trade of the offseason in the NHL.

Patrik Laine has 12 goals in 19 games since the start of the season. He has already doubled his total from last season and is on track to have his most productive season since leaving Winnipeg.

Only Cole Caufield (24) and Nick Suzuki (14) have scored more goals than Laine this season. Both Suzuki and Caufield have played all 47 games for the Habs so far in 2024-25.

Since Patrik Laine returned to play (miraculously), the CH has a record of 16-6-1, which is the second-best in the entire NHL behind the Capitals (15-4-4). No team has more wins than the CH during this period…And let’s remember that Laine had to miss time due to a virus!

Laine has transformed the Canadiens version 2024-25. He has added punch to the offense while giving two extra inches an additional dose of confidence to all his teammates.

The question arises: is the trade Patrik Laine and a second-round pick for Jordan Harris THE trade of the offseason in the NHL?

The answer is definitely yes.

OK, the Devils made a very good trade when they acquired Jacob Markstrom in exchange for a first-round pick and Kevin Bahl. Markstrom has a record of 21-9-5, with a goals-against average of 2.20 and a save percentage of .912 since the start of the season.

OK, Pierre-Luc Dubois is rebounding in Washington, having cost almost nothing to acquire.

OK. Mikhail Sergachev has become an ultra-important cog in the Yetis the Utah HC.

OK, Logan Thompson for two third-round picks is a steal for the Caps.

However, Kent Hughes still deserves the title of best offseason trade. In fact, he has completed several good trades over the past three years…

However, the Canadiens’ GM may also deserve the title of worst offseason trade: Johnathan Kovacevic for a fourth-round pick does not reflect well on Kent Hughes.

Kovy plays an average of 20 minutes per game, has 13 points in 49 games, shows a plus-14 rating, and is currently keeping Simon Nemec out of New Jersey. But hey, nobody hits 1.000.

It is worth noting that Laine may be the best acquisition in the entire NHL when considering free-agent signings. Only Jake Guentzel (Pittsburgh) is among the top 40 scorers in the league among players who changed teams last summer.

Overtime

So far, Kent Hughes has also completed the best trade of the 2024-25 season: Alexandre Carrier for Justin Barron is a stroke of genius.

The Quebec defender has recorded nine assists in 16 games with the Canadiens, in addition to showing a plus-7 rating. He plays over 20 minutes per game and has stabilized a defense that needed a guy like him.

Since December 18, the date of Carrier’s acquisition, the Canadiens have been the best team in the NHL: 12-3-1.

And Justin Barron is struggling to earn appreciation in Nashville.

What a trade!