Montreal Canadiens: Potential additions to the management group
By Omar L
Changes within the Montreal Canadiens management group may be coming, and there are two names who could fit the bill in the AHL.
The alterations to the Montreal Canadiens may not start in the NHL. Geoff Molson brought up that the organization will be going through full evaluations and making both on and off-ice changes accordingly. Management positions fall into that category, but they may not be happening with the Habs. Perhaps assistant coaches could be relieved of their duties, but the ball is most likely to fall with the Laval Rocket.
A 30th place finish is far from the expectations anyone had for the team in their inaugural season. Seeing as how they made the playoffs for the first time in five years as the St. Johns Ice Caps, the hope was that the only direction was up for the Habs AHL affiliate. Laval isn’t guaranteed to stay where they are with two games left in the season, but they’re not finishing out of the bottom five.
Sylvain Lefebvre has the hot seat. Although the Montreal Canadiens enjoyed the spoils of Nikita Scherbak and Charles Hudon this season, there hasn’t been too much hope coming from the AHL in his time as head coach. Many believe that Lefebvre being removed would be a decision that is a long-time coming.
Whether that happens or not, we’ll have to wait until the weekend to see. But if the Habs do choose to move on from Lefebvre, there are two names who could replace him.
Elliotte Friedman mentioned in his latest 31 Thoughts on the idea Dominique Ducharme or Joel Bouchard having a future role with the Montreal Canadiens. Friedman didn’t report this; it was just a thought. However, it’s a thought that makes a lot of sense.
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I did a post back in January as to why Ducharme should be brought in as head coach for the Laval Rocket. His work with Hockey Canada over the past two years and his experience with working and growing young players have been undeniable. Even if it’s not as head coach, hiring Ducharme in any fashion would be a quality hire.
The same goes for Bouchard who is currently the president and general manager of the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada and was also part of Team Canada’s latest management group at the World Juniors.
The Montreal Canadiens wouldn’t be able to talk to either until their respective seasons are over as both are battling for championship wins in the QMJHL. However, when they have the chance, getting them in some kind of conversation or interview about coming aboard would be the perfect start to the organization’s offseason plans.
Next: Can You Trade Pacioretty?
Morning Links
The Brampton Beast were another part of the Montreal Canadiens organization that didn’t find themselves competing in the post-season, and it makes you wonder whether the ECHL affiliation will continue past this year.
Canadiens desperately need a director of hockey operations
The role may seem insignificant to many, but many teams have benefited from having that extra layer within their management. Perhaps the Habs follow suit soon.