Music: {allcanada} Therrien, coaching staff will return for Canadiens

Friday, May 15, 2015

{allcanada} Therrien, coaching staff will return for Canadiens

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Montreal Canadiens coach Michel Therrien and his staff will return for the 2015-16 season, general manager Marc Bergevin said Friday at an end-of-season press conference.

"I have no reason to make any changes when it comes to our coaching staff. They are doing great work," Bergevin said.

Therrien led the Canadiens to the Atlantic Division title this season and they defeated the Ottawa Senators in six games in the Eastern Conference First Round before getting eliminated by the Tampa Bay Lightning in six games in the second round.

The Canadiens made the Eastern Conference Final in 2014 before losing to the New York Rangers in six games.

Therrien has a 287-224-57 record with 24 ties in his NHL coaching career, which includes two stints with the Canadiens. He also coached the Pittsburgh Penguins from 2005-09, leading them to the Stanley Cup Final in 2008.

Bergevin said he would like to re-sign defenseman Jeff Petry and forward Torrey Mitchell, who the Canadiens acquired prior to the 2015 NHL Trade Deadline.

"Jeff Petry is a priority for us. I think he fits perfectly with our team. He played some big minutes for us," Bergevin said. "We'd like to bring Torrey Mitchell back, if we can. Everything will depend on working within the salary cap."

Bergevin said defensemen Sergei Gonchar and Mike Weaver and forward Manny Malhotra will not return next season.