BOSTON — A slew of new faces joined the Boston Bruins around the trade deadline, with forwards Rick Nash and Brian Gionta chief among them.
And neither are much of a stranger to Montreal Canadiens coach Claude Julien.
Julien had some experience coaching Gionta with the New Jersey Devils during the 2006-07 season, and Nash at the international level with Team Canada. And in his second return to TD Garden as an opposing coach since being relieved of his duties as Boston’s coach in February 2017, he couldn’t say enough good things about the pair.
Gionta — who was the Habs’ captain for four seasons — deliberately sat out the beginning of the NHL season so he could play for Team USA in the Olympics. Upon returning from South Korea, he signed with Boston and dressed in his first game Thursday.
“Well I’m happy for him,” Julien said. “There’s a good little player and I know he was a captain in Montreal, well respected. You know, you say the ultimate pro on and off the ice. He comes and he plays hard every game, he’s in your face, he’s in front of the net, a lot like (Brendan) Gallagher is for (the Canadiens), that’s where he excels.
“At the same time, he’s a soft-spoken guy that’s respected by his teammates, but he’s a good leader as well,” Julien continued. “I’m glad that guys like him and (Anaheim Ducks forward) Chris Kelly found jobs afterwards. Both those guys can certainly help their teams where they are right now.”
Nash, meanwhile, has potted a goal in two of his three appearances with Boston thus far. And while the 33-year-old Brampton, Ontario native long has been known for his scoring prowess, it was his penalty killing that stood out to Julien when he coached him.
“You know Nash is a big player. In the international competition he was a real good penalty killer for us. But he’s strong, he’s heavy, around the net area he’s very good,” Julien said. “For his size and all that stuff he’s really good at finding open ice to get free, and I know we always have to keep an eye on him when it comes to breakaways because he finds ways to get them.”
Julien is sure to get a good look at both skaters Saturday, both will be in the lineup as the Bruins take on the Canadiens.
