Pascal Vincent, former head coach of the Laval Rocket, has accepted a new position as an assistant coach with the Seattle Kraken. This marks his return to the NHL after a brief stint with the Columbus Blue Jackets during the 2023-24 season.
Pascal Vincent’s Coaching Career
At 54 years old, Vincent has a rich coaching history. He previously served as an associate coach with the Columbus Blue Jackets during the 2021-2023 seasons. Prior to that, he was an assistant coach with the Winnipeg Jets from 2011 to 2016. His expertise extends to five years as head coach of the Manitoba Moose in the American Hockey League (AHL).
Success with Laval Rocket
- 2024-25 Season: Led the Laval Rocket to a record of 48-19-5 and advanced to the conference finals.
- 2025-26 Season: The team won its second consecutive division title but was eliminated in the first round by the Toronto Marlies.
The Montreal Canadiens have expressed gratitude towards Vincent for his significant contributions during his tenure. Jeff Gorton, the Canadiens’ hockey operations president, acknowledged Vincent’s impact on the team’s successes and his respect among players and fans.
Future Implications for Laval Rocket
With Vincent’s departure, the Canadiens announced that they have begun the search for a new head coach for the Laval Rocket. No further details were provided regarding potential candidates or timelines.
