Every so often, hockey fans are treated to a wild journey through the NHL’s intricate web of trades—a journey that reveals just how interconnected the fates of players and franchises can be. Few stories capture this magic better than the remarkable trade tree that begins with a humble ninth-round draft pick and ends with one of the league’s most electrifying goal scorers.

In the wake of Jaroslav Halak’s recent retirement, fans in Montreal have been given a reason to look back and marvel at the chain reaction his career set in motion. Thanks to the sharp eye of hockey analyst Andrew Zadarnowski, we now have a clear view of how a single transaction involving a little-known goaltender ultimately paved the way for the Canadiens to land not only a star forward but also a valuable draft pick for the future.

This story isn’t just about the players involved—it’s about the unexpected twists, clever maneuvering, and sheer unpredictability that make hockey’s trade market so endlessly fascinating. So buckle up as we trace the surprising path from Jaroslav Halak to Patrik Laine, and discover how one team’s long-term vision can change the course of its history.

Laine and Halak Photo credit: NHL

I love exercises like the one just done by the excellent Andrew Zadarnowski, regarding the trade made between Montreal and Columbus.

Let’s recall that nearly a year ago, the Canadiens completed a trade with the Blue Jackets to acquire forward Patrik Laine.

Well, in honor of goaltender Jaroslav Halak’s retirement announcement.

Zadarnowski has created a little “trade tree” showing how the trade of Jaroslav Halak (to the St. Louis Blues) eventually allowed the Canadiens to get.. Patrik Laine!

Turning Jaroslav Halak Into Patrik Laine and a 2nd-Round Draft Pick

Here’s his exact post:

“In honour of Jaroslav Halak’s retirement, here how the Canadiens turned a 9th round pick in 2003 into Patrik Laine and a 2nd round pick in 2026.”

image

I love it!

Jaroslav Halak, a 9th-round pick by the Montreal Canadiens in 2003, was eventually traded for Ian Schultz and Lars Eller.

Lars Eller was later traded for a 2nd-round pick in 2017 and a 2nd-round pick in 2018.

The 2018 2nd-round pick was traded for a 3rd-round pick in 2018 and a 5th-round pick in 2018.

The 2018 3rd-round pick was used to draft defenseman Jordan Harris – and we all know what happened after that!

It’s truly fascinating!