More On Gallant Heading To The Habs

Gerard Gallant will be named an assistant coach of the Montreal Canadiens tomorrow, reports the Montreal Gazette.

Gallant had an interview with the Habs last week and has been rumoured to be a prime candidate for the position. He has National Hockey League coaching experience and has proven he can coach a winning team at the junior level.

Reports have been circulating all day from several media sources that the Saint John Sea Dogs head coach will join the Canadiens' new coaching staff. A taste of what the internet is saying:

• TSN: Report: Canadiens adding Gallant to coaching staff
• Pro Hockey Talk: Report: Montreal to hire ex-Columbus coach Gallant
• News 88.9: Reports: Gallant to be named Habs' assistant coach
• Buzzing The Net: Montreal Canadiens hiring Gerard Gallant away from Saint John Sea Dogs — report
• Habs Eye On The Prize: Habs To Hire Gallant

According to News 88.9, “Sea Dogs president Wayne Long could not confirm the reports.”

Since being hired during the 2009 off-season, Gallant has coached Saint John to three regular season titles, two President’s Cup championships, and a Memorial Cup title. He was also named the QMJHL and CHL coach of the year in both 2010 and 2011.

Obviously, it’s a big loss for the Sea Dogs. He will be missed. But this is what junior hockey is all about.

Habs head coach Michel Therrien is also rumoured to be hiring Clement Jodoin in the coming days as an assistant as well. Jodoin coached the Hamilton Bulldogs last season and prior to that coached the Rimouski Oceanic and the Lewiston Maineiacs.