It didn’t take long for Kirk Muller to find a new gig.
On Thursday evening, the Montreal Canadiens announced that they hired Muller to be an associate coach on their staff.
This will be his second stint behind the Canadiens’ bench, as he served as an assistant coach from 2006-2011. The 50-year-old spent four years with the Habs as a player in the early 90’s and won the Stanley Cup with Montreal back in 1992-93.
“We are very pleased to announce the appointment of Kirk Muller, and are extremely happy about his desire to return to the Canadiens’ organization,” Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin said in a release. “Kirk brings a great deal of experience, determination and leadership, and I have no doubt that these qualities will be essential for our coaching staff. Kirk has a thorough knowledge of the Montreal market, he enjoyed success as a player, and as captain of the Canadiens, and these assets will certainly contribute to the success of our team.”
In St. Louis, Muller was responsible for the forwards and the power play. Wouldn’t you know it, Montreal’s power play was abysmal in 2015-16. The Canadiens ranked 25th on the man-advantage (16.2 percent). During his first tenure behind the bench with Montreal, he ran an extremely efficient power play.
In Muller's five years as assistant coach, Habs' power play raned 1, 1,15 2 ,2 #HabsIO
— Pat Hickey (@zababes1) June 3, 2016
Muller left the Canadiens staff after the 2010-11 season to become the head coach of the Milwaukee Admirals (AHL). After 17 games with Milwaukee, he was named the coach of the Carolina Hurricanes. Muller spent the following two seasons as the coach of the ‘Canes before being fired. He then joined St. Louis’ staff.
Welcome back Kirk! #GHG
— Geoff Molson (@GMolsonCHC) June 3, 2016
Muller's greatest strength when he was last in Montreal was serving as a conduit between the players and the coach. The players loved him.
— Arpon Basu (@ArponBasu) June 2, 2016