On the heels of a meltdown closely resembling last season's all-too-forgettable collapse, Montreal Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin was forced to do exactly what he had to in order to help propel his team in the right direction. He fired his longtime friend Michel Therrien, whose head coaching tactics seemed to have lost their desired effect on the team. Missing the playoffs for a second year in a row was simply unacceptable. Player development issues combined with a multitude of personnel shortcomings as well as relatively poor in-game adjustment strategies made it clear that "...a fresh voice was needed", according to the GM himself.
Fortunately for the Canadiens, that "fresh voice" is oddly a familiar one. Former Boston Bruins and Stanley Cup-winning coach Claude Julien was hired and subsequently signed to a five-year deal that kicks in next season. One would be hard-pressed to rationally see this move in a negative light, and my belief is that the veteran leaders of the Habs will be the first to benefit from Julien's coaching style.
Julien is a humble and well-versed person who prides himself on his strongest trait: communication. In referring to how important it is, he mentioned in Wednesday’s conference call that it's precisely what has allowed him to have such a good relationship with all of his players. He is not the type of coach to throw his players under the bus:
"I always treated (my players) with a lot of respect. Respect is earned. If you respect the players, they will respect you, and I do not intend to change my style..." he told reporters during a conference call on Wednesday afternoon.
That sentiment was echoed by Jordan Caron, who played in 2010-2011 and 2014-2015 with the Boston Bruins:
“In Boston, he was a players’ coach. He protects his players, will take the blame for his players and the players enjoyed that- they enjoy playing for a coach like that. This leads to mutual respect between both parties”
(Translated from French, via LaPresse)
Often referred to as a “goon” coach, Julien will ensure that Carey Price, whom he called the “best goaltender in the world”, will not have to fend for himself if anyone even attempts to crash into him. Having been an assistant coach for Team Canada and to both Price and Shea Weber in 2014 and during last September’s World Cup of Hockey, Julien will know precisely what message to send them in order to protect the franchise goalie.
Moreover, Tomas Plekanec and Andrei Markov will look forward to reconnecting with an old acquaintance who tends to specialize in properly utilizing two-way centermen while relying on highly intelligent defensemen to help drive league-leading possession numbers. Before being relieved of his coaching duties by the Bruins this season, Julien’s team was first overall in the league in puck possession at 55.71%.
Former enforcer Steve Begin, who played under Julien’s tutelage both in Montreal and in Boston, added:
“I loved him as a coach. He was always the type to give everyone a fair chance. He always let players express themselves, and he appreciates and rewards efforts…”
(Translated from French, via LaPresse)
Perhaps this entails that Alex Galchenyuk, Nathan Beaulieu, and Greg Pateryn won't find themselves in the doghouse the instant they make the slightest mistakes. Younger players will get their fair share of opportunities, so long as they offer their new head coach satisfactory effort levels. Also, what this tells me is that Julien has already thrown out his predecessor's line blender, and will likely keep combinations together for extended periods of time.
Finally, Patrice Bergeron, who played in 643 games under the Habs’ new coach and is one of Julien’s stoutest defenders, had this to say:
“The (veteran) core of players who have worked with Claude for several years continued to remain receptive to his game plans and his teachings. Winning the Stanley Cup in 2011 will forever be my favorite memory of the time Claude and I spent together. We built this team from the ground up. Before Claude arrived, (the Bruins) were not in playoff contention for two years prior. But slowly and surely, we improved. It was truly special for us to grow and become champions alongside him.”
(Translated from French, via le Journal de Montreal)
It's clear that a five-year deal is a vote of confidence on behalf of the Canadiens' organization. The expectation is that Julien will lead the team to glory once again, and if former Cup winners' statements are any indication, the players will thoroughly enjoy playing for him while maximizing their potential.
Montreal Canadiens Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»