Francis Bouillon

Francis Bouillon is no stranger to the Montreal Canadiens after returning to the storied franchise for the third time taking on the position of Player Development Coach. The former defenseman was appointed on July 5, 2017, succeeding Rob Ramage who was promoted to Director of Player Development.

Following a prosperous 19-year career in professional hockey, including 15 in the NHL, Francis Bouillon officially retired on September 25, 2015, just a few weeks shy of his 40th birthday. He spent his last season playing with the team of Ambri-Piotta, in the Swiss Elite League.

A left-handed defenseman who learned his trade at the Midget AAA level, Francis Bouillon would spent four seasons in the QMJHL with the Laval Titan (1992-1995) before being traded to the Granby Prédateurs helping the team win the Memorial Cup as team captain.

Undrafted, Bouillon made his professional debut in 1996-97 with the Wheeling Nailers of the ECHL, recording 42 points in 69 games. He would then move on to the International League (IHL) suiting up for the Quebec Rafales in 1997-98. He joined the Canadiens as a free agent in 1998, playing with the club's AHL affiliate in Fredericton and later in Quebec City. As a regular member of the Habs defensive core, he went on to record 27 points, including three goals, in 131 games. In 2002-03, Bouillon suits up with the Nashville Predators for four games before being claimed back on waivers by the Canadiens. That same year, he represents the USA, (he has dual citizenship), at the World Hockey Championship in Finland, recording one assist in six games.

Between 2002 and 2009, he played with the Canadiens before returning to Nashville where he will spend three seasons with the Predators from 2009 to 2012, amassing 32 points in 191 games. Back in a Habs uniform in 2012-13, Bouillon would play his last two seasons in Montreal before ending his professional career in Switzerland. Francis Bouillon enjoyed a prosperous career in the NHL playing 776 games, earning 149 points and serving 536 penalty minutes. He also participated in 55 playoff match-ups amassing 11 points.