Canadiens hire Kirk Muller as Assistant Coach

The Canadiens have hired former Captain and 19 year NHL veteran Kirk Muller as Assistant Coach.

This move was rumored to be in the works for some time and today has become official news. Muller will join Carbonneau, Jarvis and Melanson to complete the Canadiens new coaching staff.

Carbonneau and Muller both played key roles in the Canadiens last Stanley Cup victory in 1993 and understand what is necessary to win.

Although Muller has little coaching experience and this will be his first venture at the NHL level, he was and is a great leader and will be a welcome addition to the new staff.

This is a busy summer for former Canadiens with Claude Julien taking over the reigns in New Jersey and another ex Coach Alain Vigneault getting another chance as Head Coach of the Vancouver Canucks.

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19 Comments

#1 jfk0202 says:
June 20, 2006 at 2:28 pm

they should of hired him as head coach and did anyone see that game lastnight the canes are champs that should of been the habs but we blew it becasue we suck and i told u theo suxs that the canes were going to win it

#2 team titanic says:
June 20, 2006 at 3:08 pm

Two coaches with NO NHL H/Cing EXPERIENCE> I trust RBG knows what he is doing.

#3 Habs#1 says:
June 20, 2006 at 5:28 pm

Muller was the best choice for the job and Carbs and Gainey did the right thing hiring him.

Two rumors that have started floating out their are that the Habs are interested in George Laraque if he wants to come and possibly, wait for it……………………… TIE FREAKIN DOMI.

I don’t buy into the last one but the first might be okay. Laraque would give them the fighter they don’t have.

#4 Phil says:
June 21, 2006 at 6:46 am

Habs#1 I agree with you …Domi..is usless ..I hope he stays with TO…They deserve him.The first two posts..Sooo what about the caines…get a life ..one with value….playing hopscotch …marbles or jacks.Idiots abound

#5 Joshua says:
June 21, 2006 at 6:17 pm

Rumours circulating have Samsonov and Arnott coming to Montreal to play in a line with Kovalev. Would be some nice talent.

#6 kazmojo says:
June 22, 2006 at 12:22 pm

That would be a great line. Samsonov is a right-handed shooting left winger, and Kovalev a left-handed shooting right winger. Arnott adds size up the middle, and is another right handed shot (Habs have too many lefties). He’ll just have to brush up on his Russian.

If Gainey can sign them, as well as Huet, Higgins, Ryder, Komisarek and Bouillon — and stay under the cap — then maybe I’ll consider him a genius.

As for the Laraque and/or Domi rumours: Gainey already locked up his grinders, and made a point of signing them first. Laraque or Domi would make Downey’s signing particularly redundant.

#7 Phil says:
June 22, 2006 at 1:26 pm

I agree with you kazmojo more then likely that is To fans hoping for a trade.As I remember there was huge outcry last year in TO cirles when Domi was signed to a multi year contract.I still think Gainey is keeping his options open for the draft to see whats available.

#8 Habs#1 says:
June 22, 2006 at 5:32 pm

Al Strachan is reporting in the Toronto Sun that Montreal has more interest in Arnott than anyone else but the question is does he want to come here.

He also says that Souray has demanded a trade out of Montreal. Yea Right! He said last year that he didn’t want to leave and when he worked out his stuff he was fine.

And don’t forget that Strachan is so Toronto centered that he’s also syaing that Pronger wants out of Edmonton really badly so he can go play in Toronto. Keep on dreaming Al.

#9 Jack says:
June 22, 2006 at 6:40 pm

Interesting stuff, Habs#1. Al Strachan was based in Montreal maybe as much as 20 years ago… he was basically kicked out of town. He was the sports editor of the Gazette before it merged with the Star, as I recall. Long story short, he was not known for his accuracy and probably engages in rumour-creation more than fact-reporting. So, now he works for the Sun in T.O. and holds a grudge against Montreal.

Dreaming, probably not. Selling papers and pandering to an audience, surely yes.

By the way, if Souray demanded a trade, we would not hear it from Al Strachan (!!) first. More likely to hear about it here!!

#10 kazmojo says:
June 23, 2006 at 3:18 pm

This might be an old rumour, but I read that the Habs and the Lightning are in talks for a “big” trade. I would think the Lightning would be interested in Huet or Aebischer, but who would the Habs want? If the Arnott rumours are true, the Habs don’t need another centre, so Lecavalier and Richards are out — and probably too expensive anyway. St. Louis would be great, but the Habs would be better off adding a power forward. If it’s anyone, it might be Pavel Kubina. And maybe the Habs throw in Souray to sweeten the deal?

#11 Joshua says:
June 23, 2006 at 3:42 pm

Isn’t Pavel Kubina a defenceman? (yes). Btw, Montreal is not interested in St.Louis. He was already offered to them (for theodoro) and rejected. He is overpaid and will never repeat a season as good as the one he had prior to last season. Richards and Lecavalier won’t be coming anytime soon either since they like tampa and the GM there likes them too much.

#12 Habs All The Way says:
June 24, 2006 at 2:01 pm

i c everything starting to fall into place…
i heard that gainey wants to trade some players to get a better pick in the draft today…
the coaching staff is good, so that is a big improvment
the 3 major tasks for gainey this summer is as follows:
1. re-sign cristobal huet
2. find a strong, yet skilled centre for kovalev’s line (jason arnott)
3. improve on the defence, markov cannot do it alone since souray is useless one-on-one (examples: brierre, chara, spezza, bergeron,etc…)

we have a lot of talent coming thru the system on offence, it is just the defence that we need…

GO HABS GO

#13 Habs All The Way says:
June 24, 2006 at 2:03 pm

btw…
PLEASE DO NOT SIGN DOMI!!!
and get rid of reberio…

#14 Habs All The Way says:
June 24, 2006 at 2:05 pm

ya,
just get rid of reberio…that will help the team…
many ppl pointed to reberio for theodore’s downfall becasue reberio is a bad influence.
he acts like a movie star, which he is far from, and distracts the other players while being useless himself!

#15 Habs#1 says:
June 24, 2006 at 3:14 pm

I’ve read that Gainey is mere inches from singing both Huet and Boullion. Everything important in the contracts are in place and all they need to do now is finalize them and put pen to paper. (source: the fourth period website)

He apparently is also aggresively shopping Ribeiro, Zednik and Aebischer right now in Vancouver at the Draft. Don’t be surprized to see Gainey make a major deal.

And Chris Pronger, your welcome to go back to the States with your pampered little trophy wive. Your nothing but a stuck up American now. I hope you never play for Team Canada again.

#16 TORONTO FAN says:
June 25, 2006 at 2:09 am

habs suck. toronto is gunna win the cup this year baby!!!

#17 TORONTO FAN says:
June 25, 2006 at 2:10 am

with tie domi and tucker

#18 Canadianfan46 says:
June 29, 2006 at 11:35 am

I beleive the will, providing the league allows teams to replace golies with sheets of plywood.

#19 Paul G says:
February 26, 2007 at 3:48 am

Muller was a player with a tremendous work ethic, has great leadership qualities and should help restore pride to this once, and again to be, great franchise. Go Kirk, best of luck to you and the Habs!!!

(An old Devils fan who never tired of watching you play)

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Avatar37 : pressure playing in Montreal, since he has problems with the expectations in Washington and Montreal isn't any easier. Then again, the media were very easy on Kovalev, so maybe it's a Russian thing? No idea. Anyway, yeah, it would have to be an established star that gives us an immediate drastic upgrade at forward, that's the only way I'd trade PK, because we'd be giving up a potential QB on our blueline for the next decade.
Avatar37 : Goalie - Sure, the only player I'd say who is untradeable (meaning I wouldn't trade no matter what) is Carey Price. You build a winning team from the net out, and I don't think there's a better goalie for his age in the NHL than Price, so I wouldn't trade him. Otherwise, every player would be open for offers, but for PK Subban, it would take (for me) an already established star, like Carter or Crosby or Ovechkin. As much as I like Ovechkin, I'm not sure he could handle all the media pre
goalie : I'm not suggesting at all that we judst dump or get rid of PK. I do however believe that he is a very valued commodity in the NHL adn that the Habs will receive offers for his services. If someone ffers us young, strong, puck handling forwards who can score, I think the Habs have to look at that possible trade.
Avatar37 : Agreed. It would be a big mistake to trade PK just to move up 2 spots in the draft. PK, Emelin, and Gorges are the bright future of our defense.
Senet1 : I am with you Avatar, Subban stays, it is not often that you get a stud defenceman who can play 25+ minutes. The mistakes he makes are for the most part not that serious and people forget he is only 23 and been in the league 2 years. He has come a long way in those two years. He has offense, defence and he hits. You cannot bet much better than that. Two more years experience and he has a shot at the Norris. If Markov does anything I hope he teaches PK how to work the PP.
Avatar37 : «link»
Avatar37 : go.
Avatar37 : round exit. Heck, even the year they won the cup we almost took them out in round 1. I believe in the corps of this team, I really think we just need a few tweaks. Adding Larry Robinson to run the defense would be a BIG help, keep Cunneyworth as offensive coach, and get a head coach who can get these guys back on the right path. We need to establish an identity again, a team that won't let itself be pushed around like it was under Martin. A few scrappers on this team and we'll be good to
Avatar37 : Yeah, the only way I'd trade PK is if we were getting an established star in return, like Carter or Crosby. I don't think we're miles away from competing deep into the playoffs, the NHL has become so competitive because of the salary cap that really there aren't huge differences between the teams. Add into the equation the stupid scoring system (some games worth 2 points, some 3) that the standings don't truly reflect where teams should really be. Look at Boston, cup winners to first rou
Senet1 : It would have to be something pretty special before I would trade PK. To me he is the #1 building block of our defence. I would trade any other defenceman we have before I would trade PK.
Senet1 : An improvement in our offense and strengthening our defence. Personally, I do not think we are that far off, five players at best could get us there. One thing that has always been true about the playoffs, Defence wins and you need a strong 3rd and 4th line.
goalie : I'm more optimistic now about the Habs than I have been for the past three dreadfully long seasons!
goalie : 2: I think GM Bergevin will make somewhat of a 'blockbuster't rade either before or on the day of the draft adn I believe PK Subban will be in that package. WE have t rememebr we have to give away some talent to get back other talent. No one wants players like Moen to move up in the draft etc.
goalie : Some thoughts:The more I see the playoffs it becomes even more obvious that we're miles away from being able to 'compete' dep into the playoffs
Avatar37 : «link»
Senet1 : Young Subban might also be an option if the Russian goalie is not available. However, to me I would wait another year and attempt to use my draft 2nd round draft picks to improve out forward situation.
Senet1 : Although Rinne contact is another example of long term at the wrong time. He is 29 years old. A case could be made with Price that double his money now with bonuses if we win the cup, I think that is still allowed in contracts?
Senet1 : Problem is he is going to want Pekka Rinne money and term. That is closer to 7M. On the other hand, the contract could have step up clauses in it over the 7 years.
Avatar37 : With Price, I wouldn't blink twice about offering him a 7 year contract now, especially if he'd be willing to give up dollar value for length. 7 years at $5.5 million a year would be just fine in my book.
Avatar37 : I think the goaltending void in our current system would push me to draft Vasilevski with our second pick, if he was available. He's young and has lots of potential, but is at least 5-6 years away from starting to be ready to play on an NHL roster.
Senet1 : Long tern contracts are a risk, but if you have a super star not as much. Luongo's contract was long term but signed too late in his career.
Avatar37 : Senet - Yes, you were clear in your post, my question was directed at goalie. I'm with you in that I'd be willing to sign him to a 7 year contract. I'd be nervous about anything longer, because every single long term goalie contract I can think of turned out to be a disaster for the team signing it.
Senet1 : I think that Budaj is a better goalie than many give him credit for, is he a Price no but with a tight defence he could be a good goalie. Many teams have average goalies but have great defence and still win. Look at Detroit, for years they have had average goaltending, but won cups. Goalies can get on a roll in the playoffs, look at Huet as an example, he was not really a good goalie but played great in the playoffs, next year he was a wash. Defence makes the goalie a winner, just ask Price.
Senet1 : Having a young equivalent goalie in the system right now is not important, three years from now it will be, so we have three years to make that kind of move in the draft. I think we have more pressing needs aat the moment.
Senet1 : Personally, I do not see this as a negative because of Price's age, you wait to draft a goalie of a Patrick Roy or Brodeur some teams wait a life time. To me we have on so why would we want to not play that out for as long as we can. Bottom line is this, regardless, right now you have a stud goalie, you are either going to pay him the money he deserves for not sign him and lose him. There is no middle of the road here.
goalie : Avatar made a great point. We don't have an NHL or up adn coming NHL goalies in our system. Another great move by Gauthier. Price is sitting very pretty.
goalie : WEll Price has us by the nads. I guess I'd have to go as far as a 7 year contract due to his play adn his age.
Senet1 : Luongo is now 33, he has been a good goaltender for a number of years. I would sign Price for 7 years and at age 31 then we deal with UFA at that time. Hopefully, we could provide him with another 5 years at that time. That is my opinion anyway, I would never risk losing him as a UFA at this point in his career to me that would be a very poor management decision. Even a 10 year contract would put him only at 34 years old. If you are going to sign him to long term now is the time.
Senet1 : If you have a young stud you have to gamble a little and give him a contract that is worthy of his abilities and his potential. It can have escalation clauses or reducing clauses like Kovalchuk's contract.
Senet1 : Avatar, I thought I was clear Yes I would sign him long term. My previous post said. The problem is if you have a out in the contract after 5 years then the player also has an out after 5 years. So no self respected lawyer would accept a contract that did not have equal escape clauses. So no I would not sign only for 5 years, if Price was 28 years old yes but not a 24. Seven years still only makes him 31 when the contract is over. If you have a young stud you have to gamble a little and give him
Avatar37 : Cammalleri trade. Given the fact that we have no NHL starting quality goaltenders in the system currently, aren't we held hostage to having to sign Price?
Avatar37 : There are many bad goalie contracts, just look at Huet. However, your post didn't answer my question as to what you'd do with Price. He's an RFA now, but for argument sake, if he were a UFA, what would you do? If he wanted a 7+ year contract, you know some other team would give him one. Would you risk losing him for nothing because you didn't want to sign a contract over 5 years? And if we lose Price, our goalies are Budaj and Robert Mayer, as we sent Karri Ramo to the Flames in the Cam
goalie : .. a 5 years contract again based upon the experience he has had AND he likes Bobby Lou!
goalie : Ditto for Philly, Ther goaltender 'situations' have both become the number 1 story line for both teams, and in Vancouver one could see the exaspiration on Gillis' adn to some extent Vigneault's faces when continously being bombarded by the loooong term contract that the Canucks are stuct with. (Gillis even said last February or so, thank goodness it looks like more than few other teams will be looking for a starting goaltender for 2012-13. He said he would never again do more than a 5 year c
goalie : I've spent the past four winters in BC thus I am very aware of the Canucks situations. I'd first say I give Gillis adn Vigneault 100% credit for being VERY supportive of Roberto L. even when Corey Schenider has vastly out played him. (I too like Bobby Lou but facts are facts).