Unless there's a surprise trade, the major issues concerning the Canadiens players are now settled. Even the head coach of the Laval Rocket has been found, and the two players without contracts (RFA) have been signed.
The GM has even extended Kaiden Guhle's contract long-term.
Another issue, which has been less publicized, could now occupy Hughes' time. It involves finding (or not) a replacement for Alex Burrows, who left his position behind the Canadiens' bench.
I say (or not) because, according to what Philippe Boucher reported during a recent edition of Tony Marinaro's Sick Podcast, replacing Burrows is not a necessity.
Martin St-Louis could very well opt for a coaching team with only three coaches behind the Canadiens' bench.
Boucher believes that having four people behind the bench is a lot. He would opt for a fourth coach, but from the press box, who could analyze the game from another angle and relay information to the trio of coaches behind the bench. The problem here is finding a coach who would accept this role without being at ice level.
The former coach of the Quebec Remparts would, if the Canadiens really want to replace Burrows, bring in an experienced person who would not be a threat to St-Louis.
For him, the ideal would be a coaching advisor, similar to what Jacques Martin did before replacing DJ Smith in Ottawa.
After all, Burrows was in charge of the power play, something St-Louis can very well handle himself.
And if there's a need for people on the ice for practices, the Canadiens can manage with everyone involved with the club or in Laval.
Boucher trusts the club's management, which has made very good decisions since his arrival. He likes the choice of head coach in Laval (Pascal Vincent) and knows they will find the right people to help St-Louis.
In the end, it will depend not on Hughes, but on Martin St-Louis. If he feels the need for support, there will be a new assistant. Otherwise, the team will go with the St-Louis-Robidas-Letowski trio behind the bench.
Credit: DansLesCoulisses
Le Canadien n'a toujours pas remplacé Alex Burrows
POLL | ||
AOUT 6 | 465 ANSWERS Interesting news about Alex Burrows' replacement with the Canadiens emerges What would you do in Kent Hughes' place? | ||
Hire an advisor like Jacques Martin | 49 | 10.5 % |
Hire a veteran like Guy Boucher | 131 | 28.2 % |
Keep 3 coaches and not replace Burrows | 134 | 28.8 % |
Other options | 151 | 32.5 % |
List of polls |