Montreal Canadiens’ latest addition was an ‘easy decision’ to make

Sportsnet’s Eric Engels had new information regarding Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens’ latest addition.

We’re talking about an addition behind the bench, and more importantly, a hiring that was unanimously supported in Montreal.

The hiring of Derek Lalonde wasn’t a point of debate internally. According to Engels, it was an easy decision, especially for Martin St-Louis.

It almost sounds like the head coach himself really wanted this hire.

An assistant coach-or rather, an associate coach-who is personally chosen by the head coach makes all the difference.

Derek Lalonde certainly has the résumé to justify that level of support.

Two Stanley Cups as an assistant coach and previous experience as a head coach command plenty of respect.

Martin St-Louis personally backed the hiring of Derek Lalonde

His associate coach title also confirms his status. Lalonde won’t just be another assistant, he’ll be Martin St-Louis’ true right-hand man.

The fact that St-Louis pushed for him speaks volumes.

We’re eager to see the results on the ice this coming fall, as the Canadiens look to continue their rise as a legitimate Stanley Cup contender.

The support didn’t come only from St-Louis, either. Gorton and Hughes were also very much in favor of the decision.

Such a clear consensus is an encouraging sign. Now it’s up to Lalonde to turn that confidence into tangible results behind the bench.