Joël Bouchard became the head coach of the AHL's San Diego Gulls, the primary development affiliate of the Anaheim Ducks.
Bouchard spent the past three years as the bench boss of the Rocket, guiding the club to an 83-67-24 record. He led the squad to a 23-9-4 record this past season, winning the Canadian Division while posting the second-highest points percentage in the AHL (.694).
Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin discussed Bouchard's departure during his end-of-season media availability at the Bell Sports Complex.
"Joël was offered a contract. There were a lot of options on the table for him, including returning to Laval or becoming an assistant with Dominique Ducharme. He made the decision. We wish him the best," explained Bergevin. "We were ready. He had a job with the Montreal Canadiens or with Laval at his discretion."
Bergevin later added that he approached Bouchard with an extension late in the Canadiens' season, but Bouchard insisted he focus primarily on finishing the year strong and enjoying a good start to the playoffs.
"He knew that we were interested in him. It wasn't a case of someone not doing their job. It's just that Joël decided to go in another direction," said Bergevin. "We're never going to hold anyone back. He had a job in Laval or here with the Montreal Canadiens."
