Report: Canadiens Contact Gallant

According to TVA Sports, the Montreal Canadiens have made contact with Gerard Gallant regarding an assistant coaching position with the National Hockey League club.

The Habs recently hired Michel Therrien as their new head coach but they have yet to name any assistants.

Gallant played with Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin during his time with the Tampa Bay Lightning so it makes sense the Saint John Sea Dogs head coach would be rumoured for a position with the Habs.

During the Memorial Cup, Gallant said he had not been contacted by the Canadiens about their then vacant head coaching position.

“We all want to get to the National Hockey League,” Gallant said during a press conference in Shawinigan. “That's the goal of every player, every trainer and the coaches themselves. I haven't thought about it. Marc Bergevin and I played together, we're good friends. Marc Bureau and I played together also. There's a race to get there, but I haven't talked with anyone. There's no talk about that. Once the season's over, if someone wants to talk to me, I'll listen for sure."

It’s hard to say how accurate the TVA Sports report is, but you have to believe Gallant is drawing some attention from the NHL level given the success he has had with the Saint John Sea Dogs and the fact that he has coached in The Show before.

There are other coaching positions available in the NHL so this may not be the only report/rumour we hear about this summer.

Since taking over as Sea Dogs head coach in 2009, Gallant has led the Sea Dogs to three regular season titles, two President Cup championships, a Memorial Cup title, and has had a plethora of players selected in the NHL Draft.

Image via Sportsnet