History is marked…for life…
Friday night, at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Patrik Laine made headlines again, scoring the winning goal on the power play to seal a 4-3 victory for the Canadiens against the Red Wings.
With this seventh goal in eight games, Laine continues to dazzle Montreal fans, while Don Waddell, general manager of the Columbus Blue Jackets, sees his monumental error becoming more and more obvious.
The trade that sent Patrik Laine and a 2nd round pick to Montreal for Jordan Harris is now considered one of the worst in NHL history.
And we consider it today…as the worst…
Waddell, in his desperate quest to free himself from Laine's contract, offered one of the league's best snipers for a defenseman struggling to justify his spot on the Blue Jackets' roster.
While Laine ignites the Canadian's power play, Harris remains confined to the 3rd pair and soon the stands.
Waddell, ridiculed by fans and analysts, seems incapable of justifying this trade other than with lame excuses about salary cap management.
Since his arrival in Montreal, Laine has been nothing short of spectacular. His devastating one-timer, which smashed Moritz Seider's stick before beating Cam Talbot, is the perfect example of the impact he can have on a game.
In just eight games, the Finn has proven that he is not only an elite scorer, but also a key piece for a rebuilding Canadian team.
Every Laine game is a cruel reminder to Columbus of what they've lost. And each goal he scores increases the anger of Blue Jackets fans, who still cannot digest this exchange.
Laine's impact isn't limited to his goals. He revitalized a Montreal power play that really needed it. Thanks to his presence on the ice, the Habs are now a constant threat with the numerical advantage.
Add to that the defensive solidity of another newcomer, Alexandre Carrier, and the Laine trade becomes even more disastrous for Columbus.
Carrier, acquired in a trade involving Justin Barron, shined in his first game with Montreal.
With a +1 rating and nearly 19 minutes of ice time, he proved that he was ready to assume an important role in the Canadian's defense.
For Columbus supporters, the anger is directed at one person: Don Waddell. Discussion forums and social networks are full of scathing comments about him:
“Trading Laine for a depth defender and losing a 2nd round pick? Inexcusable. »
“If Waddell is not fired after this, there is a problem in this organization. »
“Every Laine goal is another slap in the face for us, the fans. »
Waddell, aware of the gigantic mistake he made, appears to be trying to deflect attention by blaming Harris for his inability to win.
But this strategy does not work. Fans see through his game, and calls for his dismissal are increasing.
The Patrik Laine trade to Montreal has already gone down in history as one of the worst decisions ever made by a general manager.
While Laine propels the Canadians to spectacular victories, Columbus sinks into frustration and humiliation.
Don Waddell, by sacrificing Laine for Jordan Harris, not only weakened his team, but he also tarnished his own reputation.
For the Blue Jackets, this trade is a mistake that will continue to haunt the organization for years to come. And for Montreal, it's a blessing that could turn their reconstruction into rapid success.
In this drama in Columbus and this paradise in Montreal, one thing is clear: Patrik Laine shines, and Don Waddell darkens.
While Patrik Laine ignites Montreal with spectacular performances, Jordan Harris has become the target of the media and Columbus Blue Jackets fans.
The young defender, already struggling on the ice, suffered a torrent of criticism that far exceeded his individual performances. But in the end, is it really his fault?
Since his arrival in Columbus, Harris has been pressed like never before by local journalists. Each article, each analysis seems to insist on its inability to impose itself in alignment:
“Harris is not offensive, not defensive, and even less physical. He is invisible. »
“This defender has no identity on the ice. He is simply overwhelmed. »
These scathing, often exaggerated comments put Harris in a horrible position.
The young player, simply trying to find his place in a new organization, is given the responsibility for a trade he never requested.
Blue Jackets fans are no more tender. Disappointed by the Laine trade, they turned their anger towards Harris, who had become the symbol of what they considered one of the worst decisions in their team's history.
On forums and social networks, the messages are brutal:
“Harris has no business being in the NHL. Why did we trade Laine for him? »
“It’s embarrassing. Laine scores in Montreal while Harris watches the games from the stands. »
“This guy is a joke. Give me a junior defender, it would be the same. »
These criticisms, while fueled by fan frustration, are incredibly unfair to Harris. It’s clear that the problem goes far beyond his individual performances.
In the end, Jordan Harris is more victim than culprit. He never asked to be at the center of such a controversial transaction, much less to be traded for a player of Patrik Laine's caliber.
The expectations placed on him were excessive from the start.
Additionally, the environment in Columbus has nothing to help a young player in transition. Far from supporting him, the team's leaders, starting with Don Waddell, placed him in an impossible position.
Not only did Waddell not publicly defend him, but he also amplified expectations by saying Harris needed to immediately prove his worth.
The real culprit in this case is Don Waddell. By trading Laine for strictly financial reasons, he condemned Harris to carrying the burden of a catastrophic trade.
Harris, for his part, has only played his role: that of a promising but still developing defender, who cannot alone compensate for the loss of a 50-goal scorer.
Poor Jordan Harris. Relentlessly criticized in the media, targeted by fans and abandoned by his own general manager, he has become a scapegoat in a situation that is completely beyond him.
This young defender, although intelligent and hard-working, is the victim of an organization that desperately seeks to divert attention from its own mistakes.
While Patrik Laine continues to shine in Montreal, Harris fights not only for his place on the ice, but also for his dignity.
But let's be clear: in the end, it's not his fault. Harris is collateral damage in a trade that should never have happened.
And in Columbus, no one seems ready to recognize it. They'd rather throw Harris under the bus.
Sad…
