Montreal Canadiens: The Kirk Muller extension is another positive step forward
The Montreal Canadiens announced after their Red Vs. White Scrimmage game that assistant coach Kirk Muller receive a two-year extension.
When the Montreal Canadiens began their alterations to the management team, an important extension was left unnoticed. Dominique Ducharme and Joël Bouchard joined the team, and the was really exciting for the organization. But Stèphane Waite’s new deal was a really important piece of information considering the impact he had on Antti Niemi turning his season around after the Habs picked him off of waivers.
Sunday’s news was somewhat similar. The team had a lot of positives coming out of that Red Vs. White Scrimmage game, which we’ll discuss in due time, but after that came word of Kirk Muller‘s extension with the Montreal Canadiens allowing him to remain as one of the assistant coaches.
It’s good news on multiple fronts. For starters, Muller is in charge of the team’s power play, and the man advantage has seen improvements over the years as far as overall execution. The Habs PP% eclipsed 20% for the first time since the 2012/13 shortened season which is saying something as it generally falls in the mid-to-high teens. There’s going to be an adjustment to get the units to fire at that rate again with the departure of Max Pacioretty and Alex Galchenyuk, but the Montreal Canadiens have new names ready to meet the challenge.
More from A Winning Habit
- Montreal Canadiens: Biggest Questions Going Into 2023-24
- Montreal Canadiens: Quentin Miller’s Poise And Confidence Fuel His Game
- Montreal Canadiens: Laval Rocket Top Defence Pair Could Be Set
- Montreal Canadiens: Worst Move Of The Pierre Gauthier Era
- Montreal Canadiens: Could Casey DeSmith End Up In Colorado?
Secondly is his communication with the players. Most importantly, the youth. If you didn’t see it, Muller had some inspirational words to say to the Habs prospects at development camp.
It was a long time ago, but Muller played in Montreal. He won in Montreal. There’s no one else who wants to see the organization win again than him as he was on that championship back in 1993. Muller is after the next one and he’s determined to build up the players in the organization to get to that point.
He’s had to go through some growing pains after recovering from lime disease, Muller is re-energized and ready to go. With the extension, he’ll have another two years to work with the personnel within the Montreal Canadiens and see the future come to fold.
In Case You Missed It
Jesse Ylönen finding offence with the Pelicans
2018 second-round pick Jesse Ylönen has two goals under his belt already as his rookie season in Liiga continues.
Morning Links
Simon Després looking for another shot in NHL with Canadiens (Gazette)
Simon Despres is taking his chance to relive a life-long dream.
Canadiens’ Lehkonen hoping for good health, bounces this season (Sportsnet)
If anyone on the Montreal Canadiens is wishing for a rebound year, it’s Artturi Lehkonen.
Canadiens Due for Battle at Bottom of Atlantic (THW)
Pessimistic? Yes. A reality? Maybe.