The prayers of many Montreal Canadiens fans were answered this evening as it was announced that former Canadiens captain and assistant coach Kirk (Is Work) Muller has re-joined the Canadiens as an associate coach:
Kirk Muller joins the Canadiens as associate coach.
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) June 2, 2016
DETAILS -> https://t.co/hNhsfvUVyd pic.twitter.com/gBPjJg2GyX
Details of the contract are still unknown. It was just on Wednesday that it was announced that Muller would not be returning to the St. Louis Blues in the same capacity as he rejected their offer of a one year extension. It was thought that he might be in the mix to be hired as the Calgary Flames head coach. Canadiens fans have a love affair for Muller and most only dreamt that the Canadiens would snatch him up. The fact that they were able to do so in just 24 hours exceeded many expectations.
Many were upset and legitimately surprised when Canadiens General Manager Marc Bergevin decided to keep on the entire coaching staff save for Craig Ramsay after this past disaster of a season. Guy Boucher, the man that the majority wanted to see behind the Canadiens bench was then hired by the Ottawa Senators and Marc Crawford was promptly hired as his assistant. It was thought that there would be no openings except perhaps another consultant on the Canadiens coaching staff. The fact that Bergevin had an open mind to go after Muller speaks volumes about his willingness to help the Canadiens win. To be honest, I did not think Bergevin would go after Muller and I am quite happy that he proved me wrong.
There is little doubt that Muller will take over power play duties on the coaching staff. He had great success in his first stint in Montreal as an assistant coach:
The Kirk Muller effect
— Sean Coleman (@SColemanCTV) June 2, 2016
Habs power play with Muller (2006-11): 21.6% (2nd)
Habs PP since then: 16.7% (26th) pic.twitter.com/7VsVIniM30
In Muller's five years as assistant coach, Habs' power play raned 1, 1,15 2 ,2 #HabsIO
— Pat Hickey (@zababes1) June 3, 2016
This past season he helped lead the Blues to the 3rd best team with the man advantage. Muller has an arsenal of weapons to work with in Montreal and I am sure that was attractive to him in deciding to sign with the Canadiens. The likes of P.K. Subban, Max Pacioretty, Alex Galchenyuk, Brendan Gallagher and Andrei Markov make up a formidable 1st PP unit. It has been almost unfathomable that the Canadiens power play has been as bad as it has since Gerard Gallant left.
Not only will the Canadiens power play benefit from Muller being behind the bench, all of the players will enjoy having a “players coach… on staff as well. Muller has always been known for having great communication and dialogue with players. I can imagine home being instrumental in the continued development of Galchenyuk, especially as a #1 center. Veterans such as Carey Price, Markov, Plekanec, Subban and Pacioretty will certainly be glad to have Muller back in town as well. Muller behind the bench could also help in attracting free agents who may have been unsure about playing for Therrien.
That brings up another positive of Muller’s hiring, it will help keep Therrien accountable. Therrien knows that the pressure is on to make the 2015-2016 season seem like an anomaly and to bring the Canadiens back into the playoffs. He knows that Muller will help the team stronger, however he also knows that Muller is a head coach in waiting, be it in Montreal or elsewhere. Muller learnt a lot of Blues Head Coach Ken Hitchcock in terms of preparation, strategy and leadership. It will be interesting to see Muller 2.0 with the Canadiens.
Montreal’s love for Muller is so strong that I believe that they would be willing to accept him as a non-francophone head coach, as long as he restarts his French lessons. Many were enamoured with him back as a player when he decided to take up the language. As part of the Canadiens last Stanley Cup team (along with current Canadiens assistant J.J. Daigneault) and a past captain, he is a bridge from the team’s last moment of glory that will hopefully have a big role in the this team’s future success. The Canadiens best players are either in their primes or just on the cusp of it. The addition of Muller might just be Bergevin’s biggest offseason move and it is only June 2nd.
Perhaps it is unfair to have such great expectations for Muller upon his return to Montreal. However, it is because of all of his past success that he is so revered here. Most importantly, he is an excellent coach and the Canadiens will be a better team for having him on staff and behind the bench.
Cheers & follow along! Follow @Jenbcutler