Led to the appointment of Stephane Robidas

Some wanted to be more experienced. But finally, Stephane Robidas has been named assistant coach of the Canadiens.

He joins Alex Burrows and Trevor Letovsky, both former NHLers, but without any experience behind the bench for a team on the Bettman circuit prior to their time in Montreal…much like a certain Martin St-Louis.

Robidas, on the other hand, has a lot of experience, but at other levels. Watch Martin Theriault’s report in the video above.

In St. Louis, unlike Burroughs and Letowski, Robidas played for the Canadiens. A 7th round pick in 1995, he spent two seasons in Montreal in a quiet role. He established himself in the NHL primarily with the Dallas Stars. He notably had a 41-point season and made the All-Star Game in Montreal in 2009.

He also played in Chicago, Anaheim and Toronto. Total: 937 NHL games.

Among the head coaches he knows are: Michel Therrien, Alain Vigneault, Dave Tippett, Mark Crawford, Lindy Ruff and Bruce Boudreau.

Useful experience

After his career, the Sherbrooke native became an assistant, then director of player development for the Maple Leafs.

In Toronto, he rubbed shoulders with defensemen Justin Holl, Timothy Liljegren and Rasmus Sandin, among others.

Robidas himself did not hide it: it served him especially well in Montreal.

So far no experience behind the bench.. until last year. Robidas returned when he led Cantoniers de Magog in the Quebec M18AAA league.

He led the Cantoniers to the Jimmy-Ferrari Cup, awarded to the champions of the M18AAA league. In Magog, people praised his qualities as a conversationalist with young people.

Robidas may not have any NHL coaching experience. But it…