I recently had the pleasure of meeting Chris Nilan and he kindly agreed to do a Q and A with me for Hockeybuzz. However, before I get into the interview I would like extend my sincere condolences to the Howe family on the passing of Mr. Hockey, Gordie Howe. Canadiens fans lost their own legend Jean Beliveau a year and a half ago. We know and understand how Red Wings nation are feeling today...
Now on to the Q & A:
With the city of Montreal still basking in the glow over the hiring of Kirk Muller as the Canadiens Associate Coach, I asked Nilan which player would benefit the most with Muller now behind the bench? His answer:
“Really, no one player, however I feel overall the team will benefit as a whole. If I had to pick only one player, then Max. Kirk, having been a captain, can help Max in that area.”
Without a doubt the past experience of Muller should provide great support for Max Pacioretty as he continues to grow into the role of captain. Muller understands the pressure of playing in Montreal and the added responsibility that comes with the ‘C’ on front of the jersey. Pacioretty felt that the Canadiens were lacking veteran leadership in the locker room last season and if General Manager Marc Bergevin is not able to fill that void on the roster than at least it has been addressed somewhat with the addition of Muller. The two other players that I also believe will benefit greatly from the addition of Muller are P.K. Subban and Alex Galchenyuk. Everyone has high expectations of Muller being able to improve the Canadiens powerplay and Subban should be the greatest beneficiary of this. Positionally, Galchenyuk will benefit from Muller’s experience as a #1 center and will be able to help him take the next step in cementing his spot as the team’s top center.
Further on the role of assistant coaches, I asked Nilan from his own experience, how important is it to have a coach who was a former player behind the bench that can relate to the players?
“A former player definitely brings instant respect-BUT if he can't teach, motivate and communicate, that respect diminishes. When I won the Stanley Cup in 86 then coach Jean Perron never played in the NHL, so I don't feel it's a necessity.”
Following up on that and in relation to Muller, I commented on how both J.J. Daigneault and Dan Lacroix played in the NHL but neither are known to be a player’s coach or especially strong communicator. I wondered if Nilan thought that Muller has enjoyed greater success as an assistant coach because of his past leadership capabilities and on ice all-star credentials?
“Yes, it helps-the assistant is a sounding board for the players and takes their concerns or gripes to the head coach, but no matter what, he always has to back what the head coach wants.”
Muller has seamlessly been able to command the respect of players yet be there to relate to them as well. There always needs to be a good cop to the coach's bad cop. Unfortunately neither Daigneault or Lacroix were able to play that role with the Canadiens players. Muller knows how to properly straddle the line.
Nilan’s past regarding his battle with addictions and substance abuse is well known as he is quite honest and open about it. At the start of last season the Los Angeles Kings hired former player Brantt Myhres in a Player Assistance position to help counsel the Kings players. I asked Nilan if he thinks that every NHL team should have someone in a similar role who can be there and support players?
“There's already a program in place with the NHL-but I think hiring someone who doesn't have the credentials can be sketchy. Also, there could be some trust issues there with the players.”
It is great that the NHL has a program in place but it seems that the Kings took it one step further with their hiring of Myhres last Fall. I’m not saying that the NHL needs to find 29 other (or perhaps soon to be 30) more former players who have personal experience with substance abuse. However, having this type of ‘Big Brother’ could certainly help especially in a city like Montreal where young players might face great temptations and additional pressure.
On the topic of substance abuse, I asked if Nilan felt that Marc Bergevin should have given Zack Kassian another chance?
“Either way, I would have understood it-whether he did or not. But this kid had been to treatment already several times in the past. Bergevin, being aware of that, agreed to give him one chance. So in a sense that was a second chance for Kassian. Unfortunately Kassien didn't uphold his end of the deal.”
Yes, Kassian knew in advance that he was not going to have a second chance in Montreal. However, did the Canadiens do anything, offer to help Kassian adjust to the city? Perhaps if there was already a support system in place within the Canadiens, Kassian might not have relapsed. That is a big ‘What if” but one that they Canadiens should be asking themselves. Did they do enough to help their player in advance?
While Nilan has his own "Off the Cuff" show on TS 690, I find that his in-game/post-game analysis is often spot on and I especially enjoy his radio hits with Mitch Melnyk in the Afternoon. He usually brings up excellent observations and so I wondered if having experience on the ice and behind the bench gives Nilan a unique perspective and viewpoint?
“Sure does! I've lived it as a player and a coach. I understand systems and I also understand what it takes for an individual to be successful within the team concept.”
This is the extra that Nilan brings as he is able to see the game from multiple angles. He knows what it is like on the ice through his 13 seasons in the NHL. The invaluable experience he gained as an assistant coach under the tutelage of Jacques Lemaire with the New Jersey Devils and as a head coach with Chesapeake Icebreakers of the ECHL also gives him an added edge in analysis.
Without Brandon Prust and the failed Kassian experiment, the Canadiens were lacking in team toughness for much of the season. Only the call-up of rookie Michael McCarron and waiver wire pickup Mike Brown seemed to bring any change. How important is it that the Canadiens address this in the off-season?
“I think it's important to have a tough guy to be there for his teammates, because it gives them confidence in certain situations. But it's imperative along with being tough that he can play the game.”
Nilan hit the nail on the head here. The days of the fourth line goon are long gone but the Canadiens still need a physical, tough player on the ice that can contribute without the gloves but has the ability to his opponents think twice. This is what Brandon Prust did in his prime. This is what Michael McCarron can bring as well. The only hope is that he does not overextend himself answering the call more than necessary. While the Canadiens have an abundance of 3rd and 4th line players, only Lucas Lessio has shown any potential in playing physical. However it remains to be seen if he can do that on a consistent basis. If Bergevin can improve the Canadiens by signing or acquiring a veteran, physical player that can still contribute a solid 8-10 minutes a game, it would certainly help the team in the long run.
Finally, regarding the team's future success, I asked as long as the Canadiens are able to stay relatively healthy, if Nilan believes they will be able to rebound and make the playoffs next season?
“Yes, I think they can make the playoffs next season, provided the goaltender is healthy. And hopefully they are able to acquire a center man or scoring winger which will make their chances that much better.”
That pretty much sums up the state of the Canadiens. Carey Price must remain healthy and not be lost to injuriy for an extended amount of time. While the Canadiens have pieces of the puzzle to win, they are still short on top six help. Hopefully, Kirk Muller is not Bergevin’s only big move of the off-season.
A special thank you to Chris Nilan for agreeing to this Q & A!
Cheers & follow along!
Montreal Canadiens Blogger • 
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