Nashville Predators have hired former NHL coach, Claude Julien, as a consultant. The team announced the decision on Monday, bringing in the experienced bench boss to work alongside head coach Andrew Brunette.
Julien, a veteran of over 1,200 NHL games, boasts an impressive resume, having guided the Montreal Canadiens to a Stanley Cup championship in 2011 and the Boston Bruins to the Finals in 2013 and 2011. His expertise in special teams and strategic gameplay is expected to bolster the Predators’ power play, which has underwhelmed this season.
“We’re excited to add Claude’s wealth of knowledge and experience to our coaching staff,” said Brunette. “His track record of success in the NHL speaks for itself, and we believe he’ll be a valuable asset in helping us optimize our power play.”
The Predators’ power play has been a major concern, ranking 24th in the league with a 17.5% conversion rate. The team has struggled to capitalize on man-advantage opportunities, scoring just 15 goals in 81 power plays. Julien’s arrival is expected to bring a fresh perspective and innovative strategies to address these issues.
“Claude’s ability to analyze and adjust our power play will be invaluable,” said Predators general manager David Poile. “We’re confident his input will help us unlock more scoring opportunities and improve our overall performance.”
Julien’s consulting role will focus primarily on the power play, working closely with Brunette, assistant coaches, and players to identify areas for improvement. His influence is expected to extend beyond X’s and O’s, providing valuable guidance on game management and situational hockey.
The move is seen as a significant investment in the team’s success, demonstrating the Predators’ commitment to competing for a Stanley Cup. With Julien’s expertise and the team’s existing talent, Nashville is poised to make a push up the standings.
Players have already begun to benefit from Julien’s presence, with defenseman Roman Josi praising the new consultant’s attention to detail. “Claude’s been great so far, he’s already pointed out some things that we hadn’t noticed,” Josi said. “His experience and knowledge will definitely help us.”
The Predators’ next game is scheduled for Thursday against the Dallas Stars, providing an opportunity for Julien’s influence to take effect. Fans will be watching closely to see how the team’s power play responds to the veteran coach’s guidance.
As Nashville seeks to climb the Central Division rankings, Julien’s addition represents a crucial step toward revitalizing their special teams and making a deeper playoff run.
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