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Shock statement from Michel Therrien about being the coach of the Canadiens

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Guillaume Bergeron
May 29, 2024 (12:14)

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Photo credit: Sportsnet

Michel Therrien was the coach of the Canadiens for a total of 8 seasons during his two stints. He knows what it means to lead behind the bench of this organization.

The former NHL head coach is now an analyst and commentator on TVA Sports. Someone who has also been head coach of the Penguins didn't mince words in describing Sheldon Keefe's hiring with the Devils.

According to Michel Therrien, Sheldon Keefe hasn't proven anything, and he questions why someone like Dominique Ducharme hasn't been given a new opportunity to become an NHL head coach.

"What is criticized about Keefe is not having success in the playoffs. Someone like Dominique Ducharme has had success in the playoffs." - M. Therrien

But Therrien goes much further in his argument. According to him, being the head coach of the Montreal Canadiens can practically harm the rest of your career in the NHL.

"He's a good coach (Ducharme), he went through the Hockey Canada program, and it seems like he's forgotten. And that bothers me. As prestigious as it can be to coach the Montreal Canadiens, it can also be the graveyard of your career. 'I was lucky to coach that club twice. You learn to manage what happens on the ice and off, to work with the media, how to behave. It's an extraordinary school, and it seems like, on the contrary, it hurts more than anything else.''

- Michel Therrien on the «JiC» show on TVA Sports

He's not wrong. The last five coaches of the Tricolore haven't been given a new chance behind an NHL team's bench as head coaches.

This was the case with Ducharme, Therrien, but also with Claude Julien (in his second stint), Jacques Martin, and Guy Carbonneau.

Previously on habslatest

MAJOR: Jean-Fran�ois Houle is finally respected by the Canadiens' organization

Big change for the Canadiens' rookie camp

Major announcement from Pierre LeBrun regarding Martin Necas

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