Jacques Martin Moves to Montreal
Montreal Canadiens have been on the lookout for a new Head Coach for a while now, but that it would be Florida Panthers’ General Manager Jacques Martin that would come to occupy the position, undoubtedly would have came as a bolt out of the blue for many-a hockey fan.
Having signed a contract extension with the Panthers last may through the 2011-12 season, it would appear that the top Floridian brass, now have deemed Martin expendable and given the Habs a chance to pounce on the experienced coach. Reportedly he has signed a four year contract with his new club.
Jacques had, previous to his five years with the Panthers organization, also coached Ottawa and St. Louis. He will need to utilize all his accumulated wealth of experience when attempting to resurrect the crumbling fortunes of the centennial celebrators in Montreal.
For the Florida Panthers, Jacques exit will leave a considerable hole in the organization at a crucial point in the season. With the drafts around the corner and many players with contracts set to expire, this is possibly the worst possible time to lose your General Manager!
Florida’s owner/general partner Alan Cohen announced meanwhile that alternate governor and hall of famer William A. Torrey “will lead the search for the team’s next general manager and will work with Assistant General Manager Randy Sexton on all hockey operations as related to the draft, player trades and signings during this interim period”.
For many Panthers fans this latest development will likely upset more than one alarmbell; especially since Jacques Martin and Head Coach Peter DeBoer seemed to be on the cusp of a budding partnership, which almost brought fruition – in the form of a playoff spot – in the first attempt this bygone season.
Now Pete and the fans will be looking forward with a mixed bag of anxiety and expectations; at who will be appointed as the next Panthers’ GM.
I guess my shock is as to why anyone would want Jacques as a head coach, knowing that he’s not good at communicating with his players. As a GM, yes, but as a coach I’m not sure what they’re expecting … that MHO.
But yes, it’ll definitely leave a gap here in South Florida …
The gap will not be very big. With DeBoer’s stellar coaching, and Alan “The Douche” Cohen selling the team we will be in great shape. Hopefully we can “somehow” sign Jay Bow.