Montreal Canadiens: Is there a fit for Dominique Ducharme in the organization?

Dominique Ducharme’s work with Team Canada showed and it makes you wonder if the Montreal Canadiens would provide him the opportunity he may be looking for.

Say what you want, but this Montreal Canadiens season has had a large amount of self-realization. Although many optimistic fans thought the team could go deeper in the playoffs than in previous years, this won’t be one of them. Fingers have been pointed at individual players, Claude Julien, but for the most part Marc Bergevin.

This is the team he chose to build, and whatever vision he had for this season isn’t going to come fruition. However, there’s been another individual who more fans have started to look at more: Laval Rocket head coach, Sylvain Lefebvre.

He’s been part of the organization since 2012 and has been the coach of the Habs’ three AHL farm teams including the Rocket. Playoffs were only a thing once in his tenure, and as Laval sits 5th in the North Division, it will be a tough hill to climb to make it a second time.

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The main issue is the players who have grown from Lefebvre’s system (or lack thereof). Habs fans have enjoyed what the likes of Charles Hudon and Daniel Carr have brought to the table, but there haven’t been many other players in the AHL who look like home runs.

The jury is still out on the likes of Nikita Scherbak and Michael McCarron while Jacob de La Rose – who made the Montreal Canadiens out of camp – has had flashes of proper play, but you still expect more from a 2nd round pick.

If the Habs are going to commit to some kind of retooling stage and plan on adding in more prospects to the system, they need to make sure that they are being developed properly. Even a player selected in the top ten can fail if the organization doesn’t take the appropriate means to ensure their success long-term.

Which brings me to Canada’s favourite coach at the moment, Dominique Ducharme.

Adding Another Voice

Not too many people coach Canada’s World Junior team in back-to-back years. Considering that Canada won the whole thing, Hockey Canada made the proper decision to bring the Ducharme back for another go.

Many hockey minds say that Ducharme brings a good level of calmness and intensity to his coaching style. Joel Bouchard, who was a part of Hockey Canada’s management group and a former NHL player, had this to say about him.

"He’s got a great feel for the game, he’s got a great eye, he’s got a good demeanour. He understands what’s happening when it’s happening. Too many coaches can be overwhelmed with what’s happening in the room, or in the game… I think he’s got a really good sense. He’s comfortable."

The 44-year-old is currently coaching Drummondville Voltigeurs of the QMJHL who looks to be one of the most improved teams in the league after finishing fourth in the Division the year before.