Former Tampa Bay Lightning head coach Guy Boucher may be one step closer to returning to the NHL.
Boucher was released outright by the Swiss club SC Bern following the club falling out of playoff contention. SC Bern had only posted eight wins in 22 games this season and Boucher announced a week ago he wasn’t going to return following the completion of this season.
SC Bern just announced release of coach Guy Boucher. Swiss club has lost 4 straight, is 9th out of 12 teams, out of playoffs currently.
— Szymon Szemberg (@Sz1909_Szemberg) November 18, 2015
Guy Boucher announced the other day that he will leave SC Bern after this season due to family issues, but he is now released outright.
— Szymon Szemberg (@Sz1909_Szemberg) November 18, 2015
Boucher told TSN.ca’s Bob McKenzie, the decision to fire him was possible when he didn’t sign an extension. He wanted to return to the NHL.
“I knew when I made decision (to not to sign 2-yr extension) I was opening the door to this possibility. Once I indicated I wanted to move on at the end of the year I knew the team here could decide to move on before that. I want to coach in NHL again. That’s my goal. Boucher and his family will return to North America but not sure yet where to live.
TSN.ca reports Boucher also wanted to return to North America following the season to be closer to his mother who’s battling cancer.
Boucher instantly becomes one of the better free agent coaching candidates. He did an excellent job in Tampa Bay, almost leading the team to the Stanley Cup Finals in 2010-11. He only coached the team for just over a year following his firing in 2012-13. The Toronto Maple Leafs contacted Boucher about their coaching opening this offseason before ultimately going with Mike Babcock.
Boucher deserves another crack at coaching in the NHL, and you’d think he’d be on the top of the list for many teams. There may be some opportunities opening up soon, as it’s hot seat season as coaches are under the microscope following their team’s poor starts. Given his track record and desire to return behind the bench, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him take over for a team as soon as this season.