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Patrik Laine is closer to Montreal with a recent hiring
With the announcement of Pascal Vincent's hiring as the head coach of the Laval Rocket, it can be seen as a major advancement in the Patrik Laine situation.
The 6-foot-5 sharpshooter has been linked to the Canadiens for a few weeks following his trade request.
He is connected to the Canadiens primarily due to the general manager's attempts to acquire a top 6 forward. Patrik Laine fits this profile, and Montreal is one of the few organizations with the cap space available to welcome the Finnish forward.
That being said, following today's major announcement from the Canadiens:
Pascal Vincent can assist Kent Hughes with the Patrik Laine trade negotiations involving the Columbus Blue Jackets.
This is indeed a very interesting development for Kent Hughes in the Patrik Laine trade case.
"If there's anyone who can provide the Canadiens with inside information on Laine, it's Pascal Vincent.
Before coaching Laine in Columbus, Vincent spent a long time working within the Jets organization."
- Nicolas Cloutier, journalist for TVA Sports
Before coaching Laine in Columbus, Vincent spent a long time working within the Jets organization."
- Nicolas Cloutier, journalist for TVA Sports
The hiring of Pascal Vincent within the organization could unlock the Patrik Laine situation for Kent Hughes, either positively or negatively.
With Vincent's privileged information, Hughes could decide to close the case or, conversely, gain the confidence needed to finalize the transaction.
This is a case to watch in the coming weeks!
Patrik Laine, 26 years old, is 6-foot-5 and weighs 215 pounds. He was selected second overall in the 2016 draft and has accumulated 9 points in 18 games this season, 52 points in 55 games last season, and 56 points in 56 games the season before.
One should not forget his remarkable first two seasons in the NHL, where he scored 36 goals at age 18 and 44 goals at age 19.
He could be an interesting project for Martin St-Louis and his offensive system.
Credit:
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 16 | 269 ANSWERS Patrik Laine is closer to Montreal with a recent hiring Should the habs acquire Patrik Laine | ||
| Yes | 126 | 46.8 % |
| No | 143 | 53.2 % |
| List of polls | ||