Dominique Ducharme: an assistant role would suit him better

Yesterday, the Vegas Golden Knights confirmed the hiring of Dominique Ducharme as the team’s assistant coach. He will become Bruce Cassidy’s right-hand man on the defending champions’ coaching staff.

Joel Ward has also joined the Knights in the same role as Ducharme.

This is Ducharme’s first NHL position since being fired as head coach in Montreal. He will have the luxury of joining an excellent coach in Cassidy to continue his personal progression.

But, in reality, it may be a good thing for him to be back in an assistant role. As Stu Cowan notes (and I tend to agree), Ducharme’s personality seems better suited to such a role than that of head coach.

Dominique Ducharme’s personality seems better suited to be an assistant coach in NHL instead of a head coach. Will be interesting to see how he does in Las Vegas. I wish him well #Habs #HabsIO: https://t.co/qfC2ziw20Q

– Stu Cowan (@StuCowan1) July 13, 2023

As we saw in Montreal, Ducharme isn’t particularly comfortable in front of the media. That said, his players speak of him as a good communicator and we’ve seen him enjoy success behind the bench.

Could being in a role where he can focus more on his coaching responsibilities (and not have to talk to the media all the time) benefit him? In my opinion, yes.

And what will also help Ducharme is that he’s joining a team where the culture revolves around winning at all costs. He’s said it himself: the fact that the Golden Knights have been consistently good since their arrival on the Bettman circuit is something he appreciates.

Dominique Ducharme says he’s in the right place and loves the Golden Knights’ winning culture. 🏒

What are your predictions for the Golden Knights’ upcoming season? pic.twitter.com/RDAT332eJv

– BPM Sports (@BPMSportsRadio) July 13, 2023

Let’s not forget that he’ll be reunited with Sean Burke, who spent time in Montreal when he was also there, on the Vegas side. It’ll be a chance for him to enjoy a fresh start, far from the more difficult times he experienced at the end of his career with the CH.

And I sincerely believe that he will have the opportunity to succeed in Nevada.

In gusto

– The Blue Jackets have been active since the start of the summer.

Here’s the Blue Jackets roster reset after the NHL Draft and free agency:https://t.co/QLHeQ7hFql

– NHL.com (@NHLdotcom) July 13, 2023

– That would be quite a haul for the Yankees.

Buster Olney also talked about the Rangers… and the Rays. https://t.co/g9nQmirGV0

– Passion MLB (@passion_mlb) July 13, 2023

– To be continued.

Losada is considering the idea of using the Leagues Cup to do some experimenting. But hasn’t decided 100% yet. Who knows, maybe a start for Vilsaint or Matko in 10? @cfmontreal #CFMTL

– Jeremy Filosa 🎙 (@JeremyFilosa) July 13, 2023