Pittsburgh Penguins hire Jacques Martin as assistant coach
By Josh Sanchez
It is no secret that the Pittsburgh Penguins could benefit from bolstering their defense and the team is working to do just that with the latest addition to their staff. The Pittsburgh Penguins has added defensive mind Jacques Martin to serve as their assistant coach. Louis Jean of TVA Sports was the first to report the news.
“I’m excited to be back in the NHL, especially with a team like the Penguins,” said Martin in a statement. “This is a great opportunity to win the Stanley Cup and be re-united with general manager Ray Shero.”
Martin worked with Shero back in the 1990s when the two men were with the Ottawa Senators. Martin served as the team’s head coach, while Shero was the general manager, and now they will join forces once again.
“Jacques is a highly respected and accomplished coach who will be a tremendous addition to our staff,” Shero said in a release of his own. “He brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to our organization because of his extensive background as a head coach and an assistant.”
Everyone in the Penguins organization seemed excited about the addition, including head coach Dan Bylsma who will now have a new right hand man.
“I know we’re all going to benefit from having Jacques Martin on our staff,” Bylsma said. “Jacques and I have spent a great deal of time over the last few weeks discussing this possibility. It will be great to have another voice, another perspective – especially from a man of Jacque’s experience. We’re all looking forward for getting together as a staff and preparing for the coming season.”
It will be interesting to see how Martin’s presence will help to change the culture and attitude of the team on the defensive side of the ice, but there is little doubt that it will do anything but help.
After seeing the Penguins epic postseason collapse that led to their dismissal from the playoffs, they should be happy to take any help they can get.