Joel Bouchard hired as head coach of the Laval Rocket

The search for Sylvain Lefebvre’s replacement in Laval didn’t take too long, as today the Canadiens announced the signing of Joel Bouchard to be the team’s new head coach.

Part of the reason for the delay was likely due in part to Bouchard’s QMJHL club being in the thick of a championship series against the Acadie-Bathurst Titan, which they lost in six games.

Bouchard not only was the head coach of the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada for the past four years, he’s also served as the team’s General Manager and President since 2011-2012. In addition he also has served as the GM for Team Canada’s U20 team since 2016-2017, in which Canada collected a silver medal and a gold medal at the World Juniors tournament in consecutive years.

There’s plenty of experience in Bouchard’s resume, and a big reason for optimism going into next year as the Canadiens continue to move forward with their promised off-season changes.

Larry Carriere, who was the general manager of the AHL team, is now listed as a director of player personnel, meaning that Bouchard may have more responsibility than just a regular coach.

“The Club has also decided not to name an official general manager for the Rocket organization. However, I must underline that we are extremely satisfied with the work of Larry Carrière, who will now act as director of player personnel of the team,” said Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin.

Bouchard’s contract will be for three years, according to Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports.

UPDATE: Marc Bergevin has announced that Sylvain Lefebvre’s assistants will also not be returning.