You’ve probably heard the big news from Laval: Jean-François Houle is no longer the Rocket’s coach.
He has decided to go and coach at Clarkson University, where he studied. As Alain Usereau pointed out, he’s even better paid there than in the AHL.
One also has to wonder whether his relationship with Habs management has disintegrated, or whether this was just an impossible opportunity for him to turn down. These are the questions that arise.
On Jean-François Houle’s departure, here are a few leads:
I know for a fact that Clarkson is special to him. It’s home. JF knows the American reality very well. He found his wife there. He has three American-born children. He owns a home in…
– Anthony Marcotte (@anthonymarcotte) June 21, 2024
But whatever the reasons for his departure, the consequence is this: the Rocket needs a head coach – and another assistant, as was already the case.
And the clock is ticking.
It’s logical to assume that the Canadiens will be thinking of Pascal Vincent. Freshly fired by the Blue Jackets, he’s a prime candidate.
We’ll have to make sure that whatever drove him out of Columbus isn’t an issue, but he’s got plenty of experience in the AHL… and if he wants the job, he’ll be a clear favorite for the Habs.
(OBOXADSQ || []).push({“cmd”: “addBanner”});
Pascal Vincent has to be considered the number 1 candidate for the Rocket coaching job. I won’t surprise anyone by saying that.
After that, you can be sure that the candidacies of Stéphane Julien, Sylvain Favreau, Gilles Bouchard, Louis Robitaille, Éric…
– Anthony Marcotte (@anthonymarcotte) June 21, 2024
Stéphane Leroux is of the same opinion.
Pascal Vincent signed a two-year contract in Columbus, which means he’ll be paid next year by the Blue Jackets. He is therefore not obliged to sign a contract in the AHL.
But if he feels it’s the right thing to do for his career, he’ll surely consider it. After all, getting his feet wet in the Habs organization is quite something.
He won’t be the only candidate, of course. After all, there’s no shortage of competent candidates in Quebec. And on that subject, Anthony Marcotte named several other candidates who could be considered.
- Stéphane Julien
- Sylvain Favreau
- Gilles Bouchard
- Louis Robitaille
- Éric Veilleux
- Carl Mallette
- Bruce Richardson
Sylvain Favreau will surely be among the first candidates considered to succeed Jean-François Houle, who worked well with the media. Favreau sometimes came to see his friend Eric Raymond at the Bell Centre, and he must have made some connections. The #CH will have no shortage of good candidates @RDSca
– Eric Leblanc (@eleblancRDS) June 21, 2024
If the Habs had ever started thinking about replacing Houle, perhaps the candidates who had been discussed will come back into the picture. If not, it will be one more task to add to the list.
Because right now, Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton must not be thinking about it. #Draft
Overtime
– Contract in Columbus.
#CBJ have signed F Yegor Chinakhov to a two-year, $4.2 million contract ($2.1 million AAV), the first signing under new president and general manager Don Waddell.
Chinakhov, 23 and a pending restricted free agent, had career highs of 16-13-29 this season in 53 games.– Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) June 21, 2024
– Worth keeping an eye on.
This will be an emotional game for him. https://t.co/LL8NG045Ls
– Passion MLB (@passion_mlb) June 21, 2024
– He’s a patient guy.
Nick Cousins says he’s excited to finally get back in the Panthers lineup tonight. Hasn’t played in almost a month. pic.twitter.com/a4XFLCnPuo
– Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) June 21, 2024
– A small crowd.
Boston officials say they expect attendance at the Celtics’ NBA championship parade today to exceed 1 million people.
(via @CTabatabaie)pic.twitter.com/XjVmGbQ62t
– Front Office Sports (@FOS) June 21, 2024
– Cole Caufield is enjoying his summer.
Cole Caufield hanging out Josh Norris and Luke & Quinn Hughes. pic.twitter.com/FAXNLcgEWE
– /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) June 21, 2024
Cole Caufield hanging out with his old pal Jeff Petry. pic.twitter.com/l47GWSFPbW
– /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) June 21, 2024
– Logical.
It’s almost the end of an era 🥹 https://t.co/3895eHAQde
– TVA Sports (@TVASports) June 21, 2024