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Rocket: Stéphane Julien’s name keeps cropping up

BOISBRIAND, QC - DECEMBER 08: Head coach of the Sherbrooke Phoenix Stephane Julien calls out instructions from the bench against the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada during the third period at Centre d'Excellence Sports Rousseau on December 8, 2019 in Boisbriand, Canada. The Sherbrooke Phoenix defeated the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada 6-2. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)

Name me a coach who speaks French and I’ll name you a candidate for the Laval Rocket driver’s job. Even Bob Hartley is about to- ah pis laissez faire.

The most popular names right now are Pascal Vincent and Sylvain Favreau. The former is a returning NHL coach with experience in Manitoba’s AHL.

And the second is a name that came up when we weren’t sure whether Jean-François Houle would get a new contract.

In fact, since Houle decided to step down, the same names that came up before his contract was signed are coming up again – in addition to Vincent, of course. It feels like May at the moment.

And now there’s a name that’s gaining momentum this evening: Stéphane Julien. He was first mentioned by Patrick Williams, who covers hockey and tells us to keep an eye on him.

But that’s not all.

In a text published in Le Nouvelliste, Matthew Vachon raised several names that could be considered. And the front-page image is that of Stéphane Julien.

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What you need to know is that Julien was for years an employee of the Sherbrooke Phoenix. He came up through the ranks in the Eastern Townships and worked his way up the franchise as he took on more responsibility.

In the end, he was the coach and GM. And from the way he revived Joshua Roy after his stint with the Sea Dogs, I imagine the Habs prospect is in a position to give him a good reference.

This year, Julien was an assistant with the Grand Rapids Griffins. He also has experience with Team Canada.

I don’t know if he’ll be considered, but he has the profile that Habs management is looking for. Is this what Martin St-Louis is looking for? Does he have the profile of a future Habs coach in the eyes of management, if need be? These are the questions that arise.

Overtime

– Those who know… know.

– Listen now.

– Ah well.