Richardson, 52, joined the Canadiens' coaching staff as an assistant coach on July 9, 2018, bringing more than 25 years of NHL experience, including four seasons as an assistant coach with the Ottawa Senators and New York Islanders.
In his third season with the Canadiens as assistant to the head coach, he was called upon to replace Dominique Ducharme at a crucial moment in the 2021 playoffs when Ducharme left the team temporarily for health reasons. He took over the squad shortly before Game 3 of the Semifinals, and under his charge the Canadiens defeated the Vegas Golden Knights in six games to advance to their first Stanley Cup Final since 1993.
Richardson was the head coach of the Ottawa Senators' AHL affiliate in Binghamton, where he posted a record of 153-120-31 in 304 regular season games from 2012 to 2016. He made his NHL coaching debut with the Senators during the 2008-09 season as an assistant coach. He also led Canada to the Spengler Cup in 2016-17.
The Ottawa, ON native was a first-round selection (7th overall) of the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 1987 NHL Entry Draft. Richardson enjoyed a stellar 21-year career in the NHL, playing in 1,417 regular season games with Toronto, Philadelphia, Columbus, Tampa Bay and Ottawa. He recorded 201 points (35 goals, 166 assists) and served 2,055 penalty minutes. In 69 playoff contests, he added eight assists.
On the international stage, Richardson was a member of Team Canada at the 1987 World Junior Championship. He also represented his country at the IIHF World Championship in 1994 and 1996, winning gold and silver, respectively.
