The 2018 Rookie Showdown allowed the Montreal Canadiens to see Joël Bouchard as a coach first hand. Fans got a glimpse of it at development camp, but those games against the Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators were a decent preview of his effect behind the bench. It’s safe to say Bouchard didn’t disappoint.
His handling of his skilled younger players was one thing, but the way Bouchard worked the media regarding the excitement over Jesperi Kotkaniemi is something to keep in mind. There’s also his best moment during the game against the Leafs after Jarret Tyszka was taken out.