Unfortunately for the QMJHL coaches, it was difficult for them to compete with Pascal Vincent’s candidacy for the position of head coach of the Laval Rocket. At least the CH has taken some of them into consideration.

• Also read: Pascal Vincent didn’t want to return to the AHL … except with the Rocket

Sylvain Favreau (Drummondville), Carl Mallette (Victoriaville), Louis Robitaille (Cape Breton) and Gilles Bouchard (Sherbrooke) were received by the Canadiens organization. Some will say that the Habs wanted to please public opinion by hiring a few coaches from the QMJHL. Regardless of whether this is the case or not, the fact remains that the CH at least viewed hockey players from here.

What level were they at? Hard to say, but some were strongly considered… as a possible second option if it was impossible to reach an agreement with Vincent. Because the bottom line is that from the moment Vincent became available after being fired by the Columbus Blue Jackets, they probably never had a real chance.

His track record is too extensive for QMJHL coaches to compete with him, especially since the Rockets’ plan has apparently always been to work with an experienced hockey player.

A name that is circulating

One of the QMJHL coaches whose name appears most frequently in the public eye is Favreau.

His name is widely known in closed NHL circles and many believe that professional opportunities will open up for him sooner rather than later.

During the holiday season, the Franco-Ontarian will be part of the group of Canadian coaches at the World Junior Hockey Championships, one of the preferred stepping stones for young coaches looking to climb the career ladder.

He also recently participated in the Nashville Predators’ development camp as a guest coach.

It is not always easy for men in QMJHL hockey to be noticed in the upper ranks.

However, seeing how things play out, it would be quite surprising if Favreau lasted several more years in the QMJHL.

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