Kirk Muller joins Canadiens as associate coach
Just one day after it was reported he wouldn't return as an assistant coach with the St. Louis Blues, Kirk Muller has already found a new job.
Montreal Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin announced Thursday that Muller was appointed the team's new associate coach.
"We are very pleased to announce the appointment of Kirk Muller, and are extremely happy about his desire to return to the Canadiens' organization," Bergevin said.
"Kirk brings a great deal of experience, determination and leadership, and I have no doubt that these qualities will be essential for our coaching staff. Kirk has a thorough knowledge of the Montreal market, he enjoyed success as a player, and as captain of the Canadiens, and these assets will certainly contribute to the success of our team."
Muller helped Montreal win its most recent Stanley Cup as a player in 1993, and was named captain in 1994, only to be traded midway through the season.
Muller's greatest strength when he was last in Montreal was serving as a conduit between the players and the coach. The players loved him.
— Аrpon Basu (@ArponBasu) June 2, 2016
He returned to Montreal in 2006, and spent five seasons as an assistant coach. Before joining the Blues, he spent parts of three seasons as the head coach of the Carolina Hurricanes, missing the playoffs each year.
The Canadiens later confirmed that the team won't fire any of their current assistants to make room for Miller, according to NHL.com's Arpon Basu.