If the Canadians want to hire an experienced coach to support Martin St-Louis, a Quebecer who ticks all the criteria is available.
Alain Nasreddine confirmed to Jean-Charles Lajoie on Wednesday that he was actively looking for a job as an assistant coach.
“Right now, I’m looking for openings. There are many with five or six teams looking for coaches or assistant coaches. My priority is to return to the NHL and to be an assistant coach in the NHL. Being a head coach in the American League is something that appeals to me too. My ultimate goal is always to be a head coach in the NHL.
The one who recently saw his association of seven seasons with the Devils come to an end has definitely turned the page on this chapter and he is now ready for the next step.
“I mightn’t say it’s a shock. I suspected it, I had a feeling during the last two months of the season with the way things were going and my relationship with the leaders. I expected it and I had managed to prepare my family a little. I gained a lot of experience with the Devils. They still gave me my first chance. Now I’m ready for a new challenge and I’m looking forward.”
Even if he accepts the decision, the Quebecer still has a hard time explaining the reasons that led to the end of this association.
“I don’t want to waste time trying to figure out the decision. I had been there for seven years and was doing well with my responsibilities. The defenders have all improved this year. I’m still happy with the job I did. When things aren’t going well, an organization has to make decisions that don’t always make sense.”
As for the rumors that the Devils are considering trading their first draft pick, Nasreddine doesn’t believe that.
“I would be surprised if they did that. If they’d gone down to fifth or sixth, I might have figured they’re looking to trade the pick. But in the second row, they will be able to draft a power winger. That’s really what the Devils are looking for to play with Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier. I would be very surprised if they traded the second overall pick.”
Watch the interview in the video above.
