Montreal Canadiens: Jöel Bouchard’s dual role is a win for the organization
By Omar L
Jöel Bouchard joining the Montreal Canadiens organization as head coach of the Laval Rocket has created a unique link with the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada.
Having Jöel Bouchard take up the mantle as the new head coach in Laval was another layer of positivity from the Montreal Canadiens. The team needed a fresh set of eyes and ideals with a new crop of young talent expected to be injected into the lineup. Additionally, Bouchard’s emphasis on team speed matches a new organizational construct Marc Bergevin is trying to create.
However, the Bouchard hire has more benefits that come with it. The Montreal Canadiens now have a strong link with the QMJHL via the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada. Bouchard served as co-owner, president, general manager and coach before taking the job as Laval Rocket bench boss. It also helps that he is not relinquishing all his power from the Armada.
The press conference that saw Bruce Richardson and Pierre Cloutier appointed as the Armada’s new coach and CEO had Bouchard reveal that he is remaining as VP of Hockey Operations. It’s a unique position for a single person to have managerial roles in two organizations. But Bouchard looks up to the challenge of it.
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Nevertheless, Bouchard mentioned what his role will be moving forward saying:
"My role will be mainly one of advisor. The guys in the room know that they can drop me a call, but they are extremely competent and I trust them."
What this position also does is provide the Montreal Canadiens with a front row seat at developing QMJHL talent. We’ve already seen Armada players get a shot to play in the organization in the last few weeks. Alexandre Alain stands out after the season he just had in the Q. T.J. Melancon, Morgan Adams-Moisan, and Ètienne Marcoux are also recent Laval signees who have spent time with Blainville-Boisbriand.
While Bouchard keeps tabs on his former team, he could make a note of up and coming players and perhaps give them a shot in the AHL. It could potentially be a conveyer belt of talent evaluation that starts in junior that may find its way to the NHL with the Montreal Canadiens.
It’ll be interesting to see how this unofficial partnership plays out long-term. Odds are Alain isn’t the last top player to spend time in Laval.
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