Pascal Vincent has chosen to remain with the Laval Rocket, turning down multiple NHL opportunities. This decision allows him to continue his role as head coach of the AHL team for the 2025-2026 season.
Vincent’s Journey with the Laval Rocket
In the previous season, speculation surrounded Vincent’s potential departure from the Rocket. High-profile figures like Marco Normandin had hinted at his possible movement to the NHL. However, he will stay in Laval for a second consecutive year, contributing to the club’s development.
Vincent’s coaching in the 2024-2025 season was notably successful. Under his leadership, several players showed significant improvement, showing his ability to develop talent within the Canadiens’ organization. General Manager Kent Hughes and President of Hockey Operations Jeff Gorton are likely pleased with this decision.
Rumors and Future Prospects
Sports columnist Renaud Lavoie recently discussed how close Vincent came to leaving Laval. Vincent could have accepted an assistant coaching role in another NHL city. However, he expressed his satisfaction living in Montreal and his commitment to the Canadiens.
The dynamics in the NHL may shift further. With Martin St-Louis secure in his position, Vincent’s next opportunity in the NHL might not be with the Canadiens. Historical preferences suggest Vincent favors head coaching roles over assistant positions, as seen during his previous stint with the Manitoba Moose.
Upcoming Matches
The Laval Rocket is gearing up for its season. Their first home game is scheduled for Friday evening against the Abbotsford Canucks. Jacob Fowler will be the starting goalie.
- Date: October 20, 2025
- Opponent: Abbotsford Canucks
- Broadcast: RDS2 at 7 PM
In addition to game preparations, players like Arber Xhekaj and Joe Veleno are continuing to practice diligently, despite a break in the training schedule.
Currently, the Canadiens organization benefits from Vincent’s decision to remain in Laval, as they look to build a competitive team for the upcoming season.
