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Julien, who was fired as coach of the Boston Bruins last
week, takes over a Montreal team that have seen their lead in
the Atlantic Division diminish after a slow start to 2017.
"Today we hired the best available coach, and one of the
league's best," Canadiens general manager, Marc Bergevin said in
a statement. "I am convinced that he has the capabilities to get
our team back on the winning track."
The decision to change coaches comes as the Canadiens, clinging
to a six-point division lead, have lost six of their last seven
games.
Julien, a former coach of the year who led Boston to their first
Stanley Cup in 39 years when they triumphed in 2011, is entering
his second tour of duty as head coach of the Canadiens after
assuming the role from January 2003 to January 2006.
After his first stint with Montreal, Julien coached the New
Jersey Devils before being hired by the Bruins in 2007.
Therrien, who was named coach of the Canadiens in 2012, led
Montreal to division titles in 2013 and 2015 as well as a trip
to the Eastern Conference finals in 2014.
"The decision to remove Michel from his coaching duties was a
difficult one because I have lots of respect for him," said
Bergevin. "I came to the conclusion that our team needed a new
energy, a new voice, a new direction."
(Reporting by Frank Pingue in Toronto. Editing by Steve Keating)
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