Now, according to a source, it is expected that the Montreal Canadiens will name Robert "Bob" Hartley as the team's next head coach. It is also expected that Eric Veilleux, the head coach of the Cataractes, will follow him to Montreal to become his assistant coach.
Three weeks ago, I mentioned Hartley as one of the team's top candidates to become the next head coach of the Habs.
Marc Bergervin, who was named the Canadiens' general manager at the beginning of May, has been meeting potential candidates in recent weeks. He has also been seen with owner Geoff Molson in Shawinigan over the past few days and his presence has helped fuel rumors regarding Hartley in the Canadian media.
Two of the Habs' top prospects, Michael Bournival and Morgan Ellis, played for the Cataractes this season. Prospects Jarred Tinordi and Nathan Beaulieu were also playing in the tournament, for London Knights and Saint John Sea Dogs, respectively.
Gerard Gallant, the Sea Dogs' head coach, was also rumored to be in the running for the head coach position, but he denied meeting Bergevin or any member of the organization.
Hartley worked as a special advisor to head coach Eric Veilleux during the Memorial Cup and he was often seen talking to members of the Montreal Canadiens organization throughout the tournament. Veilleux played nine years under Bob Hartley as a player in Laval, Cornwall and Hershey, and considers him as his top mentor. A preliminary contract drafted by the Canadiens legal affairs team has reportedly been given to Bob Hartley.
The Bleu Blanc Rouge's front office is slowly shaping up after the team announced the nomination of Rick Dudley as the team's assistant GM two days ago. Dudley had been working as an assistant to GM Brian Burke with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Dudley will be splitting duties with assistant GM Larry Carriere, who was given a contract extension. As part of the agreement, Dudley will not take part of the draft and will rather be involved in signing free agents and attending to internal matters.
Scott Mellanby has also just been named the team's Director of Player Personnel.
Hartley worked as a special advisor to head coach Eric Veilleux during the Memorial Cup and he was often seen talking to members of the Montreal Canadiens organization throughout the tournament. Veilleux played nine years under Bob Hartley as a player in Laval, Cornwall and Hershey, and considers him as his top mentor. A preliminary contract drafted by the Canadiens legal affairs team has reportedly been given to Bob Hartley.
The Bleu Blanc Rouge's front office is slowly shaping up after the team announced the nomination of Rick Dudley as the team's assistant GM two days ago. Dudley had been working as an assistant to GM Brian Burke with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Dudley will be splitting duties with assistant GM Larry Carriere, who was given a contract extension. As part of the agreement, Dudley will not take part of the draft and will rather be involved in signing free agents and attending to internal matters.
Scott Mellanby has also just been named the team's Director of Player Personnel.
The announcement will most likely be made on Tuesday, May 29th, before the start of the Stanley Cup final or at the beginning of June as Hartley needs to void his contract with the Zurich Lions before accepting the position with the Canadiens. He helped lead the Lions to the 2012 Swiss National League A championship.
Do you like the choice of Hartley as the Canadiens’ next head coach?
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(Photo via the Associated Press)
6 comments:
Would much prefer Sutter/McTavish/Wilson/Gallant/Renney/Cunnyworth/Lever, or even Quinn, but most coachs are only around for a year or 2, so how much damage can Hartly really do before axe falls?
Got to hire someone i suppose and Hartley is likely a mediocre choice, but he can speak french, which is all important and priority #1 for hire, if he can really coach well is secondary.
It doesn t take a lot to write a comment like that , just an idiot .
Hell yes! Was praying for this. He is a winner, does it everywhere. Commands respect, and apparently a decent tactician. By all accounts, a great mentor, which is perfect when u think about howmuch great young talent is here and about to be infused, but also has been through and won enough to command the respect of the necessary vets. More importnantly, should understand how imnportant it is to have the RIGHT vets on the team as a major PART of the the leadership structure, commanding accountability from the top down not bottom up. A grat day to be a habs fan. Thanks for the article.
Anon1
@Anon2, is your comment meant to be very ironic?
Not sure what you disagree with?
I aint got a clue if Hartley will be good coach; but have my reservations and as i said, most coachs arnt around very long, so if Bergevin makes a mistake with him, no big deal, coachs are fired very often.
I heard Brian Burke wet himself today.
Im liking how the Habs r coming together. Now please sign Price and lets build this team right. Lets GO Habs.
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