Jacques Martin: The New Coach of the Montreal Canadiens?

Jacques Martin is the new coach of the Canadiens?

What does it mean?

It means boring, defence-focused hockey, of course.  That is sort of expected from a GM who was also one of the best defensive forwards ever.

One surprise is that it is Gainey's call to make. It implies that the Canadiens, while still up for sale, are not in any danger of being sold! 

Why else would Martin leave his long-term contract with Florida (aside from missing the playoffs for three straight years)?

It is apparent that there is no market for NHL franchises at $500 million. Why should there be? There are bankrupt franchises in the league these days, where's the problem?

The problem is that the flagship franchise of the league isn't raising any interest. I know these are tough times, so tough the feds are even going to admit it is a recession, but no takers for the Canadiens? Even in times like this, if the Dallas Cowboys or LA Lakers came up for sale, there would be buyers.

Maybe the whole story isn't known. Gary Bettman would never shroud facts with rhetoric, I am sure!

I think it also means that Montreal owners are so comfortable financially that they are no longer seeking postseason revenue.

Actually, that is not fair—Jacques has been to the finals once, with Ottawa. I don't think that offsets his nine first-round exits, though.

He has only missed the playoffs four times in fourteen years and did make it to the second round once as well. Plenty good enough for a team like Montreal, no?