Joel Bouchard named coach of AHL's San Diego Gulls

Joel Bouchard has left the Montreal Canadiens organization.

The Anaheim Ducks announced Friday that Bouchard will be the new head coach of their AHL affiliate, the San Diego Gulls.

Bouchard guided the Laval Rocket to an 83-67-24 record over the past three campaigns. Last season, the Rocket won the Canadian Division and had the AHL's second-highest points percentage (.694).

"The opportunity to bring in Joel Bouchard as head coach of our American Hockey League club was something that we could not pass up," Ducks general manager Bob Murray said. "Joel has a strong track record coaching and developing players at the professional, junior, and international level. This is the primary focus for us, and Joel fits the bill perfectly."

Bouchard was seen as a leading candidate for the Canadiens' head coaching job. Interim bench boss Dominique Ducharme recently guided the team to a Stanley Cup Final appearance.