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Patrik Laine, the most talented player Pascal Vincent ever coached

COLUMBUS, OHIO - DECEMBER 10: Patrik Laine #29 of the Columbus Blue Jackets skates during the third period of a game against the Florida Panthers at Nationwide Arena on December 10, 2023 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Ben Jackson/NHLI via Getty Images)

In his life, Pascal Vincent has coached (as head or assistant coach) many teams: the Screaming Eagles, the Juniors, the Jets, the Moose and the Blue Jackets are just some of the names on the new Rocket coach’s CV.

Naturally, he’s coached some fine players. Whether it’s Johnny Gaudreau, Adam Fantilli, Jack Roslovic, Zach Werenski, Cole Perfetti, Nikolaj Ehlers, Blake Wheeler, Mark Scheifele, Evander Kane, Andrew Ladd or Dustin Byfuglien in the pros, he’s had plenty of talented players under his belt.

But as he told Gilbert Delorme (who co-hosts the morning show on BPM Sports) yesterday during a round of golf, no one has the talent of Patrik Laine among the players who have played under him.

That’s quite a statement, of course.

However, everyone knows that Laine is talented. What we want to know, though, is whether he’ll be able to be managed properly and fit into the Canadiens’ dressing room for the foreseeable future. That’s what’s important.

Of course, Gilbert Delorme is the first to mention it: Vincent, whose relationship with Laine may not be the best in the world, was no doubt prepared by Chantal Machabée to answer questions about Laine, whom he knew in Columbus and in the Jets organization.

Note that we didn’t see Vincent say that Laine was his best friend either – and that’s normal: it’s not his place.

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However, it’s worth noting that Delorme reported this: according to Vincent, Laine is a good person, but a funny character. That’s a pretty honest answer, I think.

Obviously, we’ll have to see how all this translates on the ice. Will the Finn be able, as he hopes, to rediscover his scoring touch with the Montreal Canadiens?

Laine, who lost his father in recent years, will have to find a way to perform and keep himself on the straight and narrow without a nanny. Because no, the Habs won’t be forcing a nanny on him.

Can’t wait for the season to start, can we?

Overtime

– The deal’s done.

– Good listening.

– The Alouettes are strong. An 18-1 record in 19 games (including playoffs) has never happened in modern CFL history.

– 53 years ago, Bobby Orr signed for $1 million over five years.

– Tennis news.