Patrik Laine linked to Original 6 squad

Columbus Blue Jackets forward Patrik Laine has been reinstated by the National Hockey League following a stint in the Player Assistance Program, which he explained was to focus more on his "mental health and well-being" in a prepared statement when the news of his being in the program was made public: 

"After careful consideration and discussions with my support network and the team, I have recognized the importance of prioritizing my mental health and well-being. Hockey has been my passion and my life, but I have come to realize that in order to perform at my best, I need to take this time to focus on myself.

I am grateful for the understanding and support of my team, the league, and our fans during this time. I look forward to returning to the ice with a clear mind and renewed energy. Thank you for respecting my privacy during this time and for your continued support.

With love,
Patty"

In the meantime, Laine's name has been heavily involved in trade rumors of late, and it appears as though one particular potential destination is standing out at the present. Laine was seen at Trudeau National Airport in Montreal, and coming to play for the Montreal Canadiens is a possibility as noted by the Montreal Gazette's Stu Cowan during an appearance on The Sick Podcast with Tony Mariano: 

"I've seen that there are red flags similar to those of Pierre-Luc Dubois for Patrik Laine that could be concerning. But at the same time, it's difficult to find players who want to come to Montreal, and Laine is an established sharpshooter who wants out of Columbus. He has just come out of the NHL's player assistance program, but the thing with Kent Hughes is that he has so many contacts across the league, so he'll do his homework. [...]

Is there a possibility that he could come here? YES! The Canadiens need players who can score, and Laine can do that. But I'm not sure if he would fit well in the team's chemistry in the locker room. We saw the example with Dubois in Los Angeles. We'll see, but he (Laine) was seen at the Montreal airport."

Laine, who was originally selected with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2016 NHL Draft by the Winnipeg Jets (one pick after the Maple Leafs selected Auston Matthews), appeared in only 18 games this past season, scoring six goals with three assists.