Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports
Without a doubt, the most pleasant surprise on the Vancouver Canucks this season has been Nils Hoglander.
Entering training camp just two weeks after his 20th birthday, it was a surprise that the five-foot-nine Swedish rookie started on a line with Bo Horvat and Tanner Pearson. Hoglander hasn’t wasted the opportunity, as he’s turned out to be one of Vancouver’s most reliable players this season.
Fans and media expected his incredible skill level, but I’m not sure most knew just how gritty and tenacious of a player he was. Drawing comparisons from some players like Alex Burrows and Jannik Hansen, Hoglander hasn’t shied away from contact his hit on Jets defenceman Derek Forbort and the ensuing retribution was proof of that.
By The Numbers: Montreal Canadiens fire Claude Julien tsn.ca - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from tsn.ca Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Claude Julien and Kirk Muller relieved of their coaching duties
Dominique Ducharme is appointed as interim head coach and Alex Burrows joins the coaching staff by Montreal Canadiens @CanadiensMTL / News Release
MONTREAL - Montreal Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin announced on Wednesday that head coach Claude Julien and associate coach Kirk Muller were relieved of their coaching duties with the Canadiens earlier today.
The organization also announced having promoted Dominique Ducharme as interim head coach in addition to the appointment of Alex Burrows to the Canadiens coaching staff. Luke Richardson and Stéphane Waite retain their respective duties within the coaching group.
Montreal Canadiens fire Claude Julien, appoint Dominique Ducharme interim head coach tsn.ca - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from tsn.ca Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.