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Photo credit: Screenshot<\/p>\n
Sportsnet’s Eric Engels had new information regarding Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens’ latest addition.<\/p>\n
We’re talking about an addition behind the bench, and more importantly, a hiring that was unanimously supported in Montreal.<\/p>\n
The hiring of Derek Lalonde wasn’t a point of debate internally. According to Engels, it was an easy decision, especially for Martin St-Louis.<\/p>\n
“It was an easy decision to turn in that direction, not just for Jeff Gorton and for Kent Hughes, but for Marty St-Louis specifically”<\/p>\n
– Eric Engels on the hire of Derek Lalonde<\/p>\n
It almost sounds like the head coach himself really wanted this hire.<\/p>\n
An assistant coach-or rather, an associate coach-who is personally chosen by the head coach makes all the difference.<\/p>\n
Derek Lalonde certainly has the r\u00e9sum\u00e9 to justify that level of support.<\/p>\n
Two Stanley Cups as an assistant coach and previous experience as a head coach command plenty of respect.<\/p>\n
Martin St-Louis personally backed the hiring of Derek Lalonde<\/p>\n
His associate coach title also confirms his status. Lalonde won’t just be another assistant, he’ll be Martin St-Louis’ true right-hand man.<\/p>\n
The fact that St-Louis pushed for him speaks volumes.<\/p>\n
We’re eager to see the results on the ice this coming fall, as the Canadiens look to continue their rise as a legitimate Stanley Cup contender.<\/p>\n
The support didn’t come only from St-Louis, either. Gorton and Hughes were also very much in favor of the decision.<\/p>\n
Such a clear consensus is an encouraging sign. Now it’s up to Lalonde to turn that confidence into tangible results behind the bench.<\/p>\n
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics<\/p>\n
POLL<\/p>\n
14 HOURS AGO|289 ANSWERS<\/p>\n
Montreal Canadiens’ latest addition was an ‘easy decision’ to make<\/p>\n
Do you think the Canadiens will reach the 2027 Stanley Cup Final?<\/p>\n
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