When the Montreal Canadiens hired Pascal Vincent, he knew he’d be leading a young team in Laval. The Canadiens’ prospect pipeline is the strongest it has been in recent history. In the American Hockey League (AHL), veteran teams typically find more success in the win column.
Winning the Macgregor Kilpatrick Trophy, awarded to the team with the most points, is a remarkable achievement. The AHL recognized Vincent’s impact by presenting him with the Louis A.R. Pieri Memorial Award, as the league’s outstanding coach.
The team’s success in combination with up to eight NHL coaching vacancies at the peak of the offseason, fuelled speculation of Vincent leaving the organization over the summer for a promotion. Kent Hughes said following the Canadiens elimination that he won’t prevent Vincent from progressing his career. Vincent remained committed to the Rocket’s playoff run with the mindset that a team interested in his services would wait for him.
Vincent waiting for the right opportunity
While the team won their series against the Cleveland Monsters and the Rochester Americans, NHL teams filled their coaching vacancies one by one.With the Dallas Stars being the only current open position, the odds of Vincent finding a coaching job at the NHL for next season are slim.
“I’m a head coach. I’ve figured that out. I can be an assistant coach too. Having said that, it would depend on the organization, where they’re at, who I’m working with. Am I going to learn? Am I going to be excited to go to the rink everyday?,” Vincent explained his mindset. He singled out the three seasons behind the bench with the Jets as Paul Maurice’s assistant as an invaluable learning experience.
Vincent obtained his first head coach opportunity last season with the Columbus Blue Jackets in usual circumstances. Less than a month before the season started, the organization named him bench boss following Mike Babcock’s sudden resignation. The NHL can be cruel and not give second chances to rookie coaches that don’t have immediate success.
“There’s a lot of coaches. Not many jobs. So when it happens and you have an opportunity, you have to think about it,” he admitted.
Vincent accepted the job in Laval for the opportunity to coach his hometown team and be part of the Montreal Canadiens organization. At this stage of his career, the 53-year-old is re-evaluating his priorities.
“It’s the best league in the world with the best players, against the best coaches. That’s my personal goal, but I’ve lived it. Is returning something I really want? I don’t know. It has to be the right offer with the right team. Right now, I’m with the Laval Rocket and I’m preparing for the next training camp.”
Listen to the Canadiens Connection podcast
For the audio of Pascal Vincent’s presser and clips from Laval Rocket players listen to this week’s edition of the Canadiens Connection podcast in the player below.
