The Canadiens may have just identified Martin St-Louis' successor

PUBLICATION

MarcO
July 22, 2024 (11:38)

SHARE THIS STORY

The Montreal Canadiens now have a successor for Martin St-Louis.

As you know, a few days ago, the Habs finally named a head coach for their affiliate, with Pascal Vincent officially becoming the head coach of the Laval Rocket.

This is obviously a solid hire for the future of the organization and for the development of young players, but it's also an interesting hire for another very specific reason.

Pascal Vincent can be an insurance policy and a potential successor for Martin St-Louis

Obviously, we all hope that Martin St-Louis stays with the Montreal Canadiens for a very long time!

That's not the point.

The point raised by some columnists is simply this. For the first time in a long time, the Canadiens would have an immediate replacement within the organization if Martin St-Louis were to unfortunately leave.

Notably, journalist Stu Cowan is right to say that Vincent's hiring is also an insurance policy for MSL.

Martin St-Louis, who is already the 6th longest-tenured head coach in the NHL, should normally remain in position for a very long time with the Montreal Canadiens.

However, if something unexpected were to happen, Pascal Vincent would have a head start in replacing him with the big club.

If we want to use a (very) lame example, we can think of the acquisition of Jake Allen when Carey Price was already established as the starting goalie for the Montreal Canadiens.

Allen was absolutely not there to steal Price's job, and Price's job was not in danger, but he was still a very good insurance policy.

In any case, we are really looking forward to seeing what Pascal Vincent can accomplish with the Montreal Canadiens' young prospects.

He has a very important role.

Credit: DansLesCoulisses
Pascal Vincent : son embauche est (aussi) une police d'assurance pour Martin St-Louis