With a multitude of NHL coaching positions open this summer, it's possible that organizations could look to tap top talent from the American Hockey League.
There's definitely a coaching question mark floating in the air above the Montreal area: will Laval Rocket head coach Jean-Francois Houle will receive a contract extension from the Montreal Canadiens?
Houle was hired by the previous administration, and with his contract up this summer, all eyes are on whether the bench boss will be back in September to lead the Habs' AHL franchise, or if Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton will look for a new hire for the next phase of development in the organization.
Beyond that, however, fans will likely find plenty of questions beginning to swirl around other AHL-level coaches this summer, as it relates to the vast number of coaching vacancies in the NHL. With Sheldon Keefe exiting the Maple Leafs organization this week, it creates just another head coaching hole to fill.
Plenty of those vacancies will be filled by former NHL coaches; Keefe himself has already been rumored to be a target of the New Jersey Devils. But beyond that, the American Hockey League serves not only as a development league for players, but for coaching and support staff as well. One look at Spencer Carbery's success behind the Washington Capitals bench this season after serving in the same role for the Hershey Bears, their AHL affiliate, is proof positive.
So naturally, some of the league's current top talent could find themselves with a promotion offer this offseason, but which ones? And why would they qualify?
On the latest episode of Rocket Hockey Report, I sit down with AHL expert Patrick Williams to examine which American League coaches could be the next to get their call up to the NHL! Plus we discuss the next steps for the Laval Rocket and get an update on the North Division semifinal rounds of the Calder Cup Playoffs. To watch the video, simply click below, or follow this link to watch on YouTube: Three AHL Coaching Standouts Poised for NHL Roles
New Video: Calder Cup Playoffs Update & AHL Coaching Spotlight
Be sure to bookmark THN.com/Montreal for year-round coverage of the Montreal Canadiens, Laval Rocket, and Habs prospects playing in leagues around the world.
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