Change is in the air for the Montreal Canadiens, and the latest developments could be more dramatic than anyone expected. With Alex Burrows’ departure still leaving a noticeable gap in the coaching staff, fans and insiders alike have been speculating about who might step in to help guide the team’s future. Now, a surprising twist has emerged—one that could bring a seasoned hockey mind straight from the heart of the Flyers organization to Montreal.

Ian Laperrière, a respected former NHL player and long-time coach, has suddenly become available after a puzzling and abrupt end to his role with the Philadelphia Flyers. His candid revelations about the situation have sparked widespread debate, and his next move is shrouded in mystery. Could Laperrière be the missing piece for the Canadiens, or perhaps for their AHL affiliate, the Laval Rocket?

As rumors swirl and the stakes grow higher, the possibility of Laperrière joining the organization has fans dreaming of new leadership and fresh strategies. But what really happened behind closed doors in Philadelphia, and what does it mean for Montreal’s future? The answers aren’t as clear as they seem—and you’ll want to read on to discover the full story.

Photo of Canadiens logo and Flyers logo

Photo credit: Habsfanatics/NHL

Another very interesting name is available if ever Martin St-Louis and the Montreal Canadiens finally want to replace Alex Burrows.

Let’s recall that since the latter’s departure (as an assistant coach to St-Louis), no other assistant has been hired.

Well, let’s talk about one of the names that suddenly became available.

Several people saw the new appointment of Ian Laperrière as Special Advisor for Hockey Operations with the Philadelphia Flyers as a promotion within the organization.

From what we now understand from the former NHL player, that title was more for appearances than anything else.

On the air of 98.5FM, the man himself, who is no longer with the Flyers, did not hesitate to openly express his frustration on the matter.

“I live two hours away from the Flyers’ practice arena.

So I drove a nice two hours for a three-minute meeting..

It didn’t take long.

I didn’t feel like being there.

I didn’t expect it.

I got up, grabbed my stuff, and went back home.”

“It’s certainly hard to digest, but it’s Daniel’s decision.

And I have to be honest.

The Flyers have taken care of me and my family for 15 years.

I only played one year with the Flyers. Bobby Clarke, Billy Barber..

They really took good care of me.

I’ll never say anything bad about the Flyers, because they’ve always taken care of me.”

– Ian Laperrière

That was all it took for the friendship that had united the two men for so long to break.

On this topic, the former head coach of the Lehigh Valley Phantoms had few words to say.

“Time will tell”

– Ian Laperrière

WOW!

Ian Laperrière: The Next Coach of the Laval Rocket?

We’ve talked about the assistant coach position in Montreal, but here’s another interesting possibility in case of a departure (to the NHL) for Pascal Vincent!

It has been confirmed recently that the man nicknamed ‘Lappy’ will now be working with the New York Islanders.

The new professional scout of Mathieu Darche, however, admitted that this is only a temporary position while waiting to get back behind a team’s bench.

“I want to keep working as a coach.” – Ian Laperrière

Thinking about it, it’s quite possible that this next opportunity could happen in Quebec with the Laval Rocket.

Throughout last season, and especially during the AHL playoffs, numerous rumors and speculations linked the head coach of the Canadiens’ farm club to an NHL bench.

However, that didn’t happen, and Pascal Vincent will return to his position in the coming weeks.

But for how long?

Interest from NHL teams will certainly remain strong – if not even stronger – by the end of next season.

Especially if he manages once again to lead his team to the top of the AHL.

At that point, if he hasn’t yet found a position that suits him, Laperrière would be the ideal candidate to replace Vincent.

In four seasons behind the Phantoms’ bench, Lappy recorded a 100-120-38 record. He had also spent nine seasons before his AHL appointment behind the Flyers’ bench as an assistant.

With this dismissal, the Philadelphia Flyers may very well have given the Montreal Canadiens a great gift – offering them an incredible hockey mind like Ian Laperrière on a silver platter!