Los Angeles FC has acquired Laurent Ciman from the Montreal Impact in exchange for a pair of players picked up in the 2018 Expansion Draft, sending former Columbus Crew left-back Jukka Raitala and former Toronto FC left wing-back Raheem Edwards to Montreal for the Belgian center-back.

"After having analyzed the team's defensive play during the last season, and by relying on internal reports, it seemed important to me to make some adjustments," Impact head coach Remi Garde said in the announcement. "It's the first change in terms of departures, but other players will get added to the roster in the next few weeks."

Garde's assessment of Ciman may not be favorable, but LAFC head coach Bob Bradley sees plenty of value in acquiring an experienced defender for his expansion franchise.

"Laurent is a top defender who provides leadership and great distribution," Bradley said in a club-issued statement. "His experience in the league and with the Belgian National Team will be invaluable as we build our club."

Edwards, 22, is a Canada international who emerged as a fan favourite at TFC after recording a goal and six assists in 22 appearances as he bombed down the left wing. Raitala, meanwhile, played in 30 matches for the Crew, with the 29-year-old Finland international making his MLS debut in the 2017 season.

The two were selected with LAFC's fourth and fifth picks, respectively, of the expansion draft and now head to Montreal to replace Ambroise Oyongo, who departed from the Canadian outfit at the end of the season. The Impact will miss Ciman's contributions, however, as the 32-year-old Belgium international made 93 appearances, anchoring the backline over three seasons.