Latest development in Montreal could lead to a Patrik Laine blockbuster trade

For weeks now, the rumours linking Patrik Laine to the Montreal Canadiens have continued picking up steam, and now there may be some validity to the rumours. Now, one reporter has suggested that the hiring of Pascal Vincent to the AHL's Laval Rockets may be the final thing needed for a deal to happen, as he was Laine's Head Coach just last year with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

It's no secret that Kent Hughes is looking for some high end talent to speed up the rebuilding process of this young team, and when he's on the ice, Laine has been a major factor for his entire career. The 26-year old had 44 and 30 goals the last two times he played 82 games in a season, and given that he played in just 18 games a year ago, it makes sense that Columbus are looking to move him.

There's no guarantee that it happens, but with Laine's trade request and the hiring of Vincent, the Montreal Canadiens make as much sense as any team in the NHL as a landing spot.

Source: Habs Fanatics
Patrik Laine is one step closer to Montreal following today's big announcement