(Laval) Jean-François Houle may not yet have a contract for next season, but he only has one wish: “My desire is absolutely to come back here, to Laval. »
The Rocket head coach was asked to comment on his contractual situation from the outset, Sunday morning, during the team’s assessment at Place Bell. Laval was eliminated from the playoff picture on Friday, after the first of two consecutive defeats against the Belleville Senators.
“It’s not decided yet,” Houle said of his return to the helm of the team, before adding that it would probably have been “preferable” to reach an agreement with the club before the end of the season.
“We will take a step back from this, we will have discussions with the organization. I am very happy to be here. »
A few hours after the report, Houle was going to meet John Sedgwick, the GM of the Canadiens’ school club, and his future with the team was obviously going to be on the agenda.
Houle had a lucky hand this season when Arber Xhekaj and Joel Armia came to Laval for a stay, then successfully returned to the NHL. Logan Mailloux has progressed greatly throughout the season, and Joshua Roy obtained an interesting internship in the NHL, to name just a few.
On Sunday, all of his work with the young Rocket team was praised by the players interviewed on the subject.
“He’s an excellent coach,” noted Joshua Roy. He had the respect of every guy in the room. I hope he can re-sign here if he wants to stay. »
“He’s a players’ coach,” said Tobie Paquette-Bisson. Players love it, it’s easy [d’approche], he communicates a lot with the guys, really there for us. It’s rare that we hear a player say something negative about JF. »
All the young people have improved. There is not one who has remained at the same level. He is excellent with young people, with veterans. You see it when someone is a good person before being a good coach.
Brandon Gignac
PHOTO DOMINICK GRAVEL, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
Brandon Gignac
“JF does a good job of making our work environment light and pleasant,” said Mitchell Stephens. I played for coaches with whom it was difficult to motivate yourself to come to the arena at times. »
The players are thus unanimous. Inevitably, after having developed and helped so many hockey players climb the ranks since his arrival in 2021, Jean-François Houle will one day get closer to the NHL himself. Is this possibility part of his thoughts?
Like any other coach, I think everyone wants to go higher. I would definitely listen to this [qu’une équipe de la LNH] would have to offer. One day I want to be an NHL instructor.
Jean-François Houle
But he doesn’t hide it either: the last year has been filled with “challenges”.
“A season like this, as an instructor, you look in the mirror, you question yourself. Are we really doing the right thing? It’s totally normal. You have injuries, you have to make player changes, there are recalls. The American League is not for everyone. It makes you a better coach, because you have to deal with different challenges at different levels. […] It was hard, but fun. I had a good learning curve. »
The NHL dream is alive and well… despite everything
Jean-François Houle is not the only one for whom decisions will have to be made in the coming weeks regarding their future with the Rocket.
Defender Tobie Paquette-Bisson was one of the mentors of his young teammates in the Blue League, such as Mailloux and David Reinbacher, a role of “head of defense” that he “loved”.
At 27, he still aspires to the NHL. Will he achieve his dream here, with the many marauders on the ramparts already present to ensure succession in the organization? Nothing is less certain.
Especially since he has already tried to see if the proverbial grass was indeed greener elsewhere, with the Ontario Reign last year.
“If I leave again, it would be a bit of a bastard to come back another time!” he says, causing laughter among the media gathered in the Rocket conference room. We never know. If I leave again, I’ll have to put my foot down, and I won’t really be able to come back. »
But he assures us unequivocally: “I loved my year in Laval, it was incredible, it will always be our home to play here. I prioritize here, it’s my team, I want to come back. I don’t know what’s going on with me yet, I have to talk to my agent next week. »
Lias Andersson, a former first round pick of the New York Rangers, as well as veteran Gabriel Bourque are in the same boat.
The first has already played 110 games in the NHL, but has not tasted it since November 2022. “I signed here [cette année] to improve as a player and have a chance to play in the NHL, and my mentality doesn’t change. »
PHOTO DENIS GERMAIN, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
Gabriel Bourque
The second, at 33, has more hockey behind his tie than in front. The Rocket captain played 413 games in the Bettman circuit, with the Predators, Avalanche and Jets, before signing with Laval three years ago. “I would definitely like to come back next year,” he says.
Injuries have slowed him down this season, and it has affected his pride as a player. But the young people in the Canadian organization will have to be supported by veterans in their development.
Gabriel Bourque is also the first name that comes to Joshua Roy and Logan Mailloux’s mind when asked which of their teammates helped them the most during this first pro campaign.
“Gab Bourque, everyone knows he’s a good leader. He is always there for everyone. »