Canadiens coach Julien has stent installed in coronary artery, will return home

TORONTO – The Montreal Canadiens say head coach Claude Julien is returning home to Montreal a day after he had a stent installed in a coronary artery.

Julien was rushed to St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto overnight Wednesday as he was experiencing chest pain and had surgery Thursday.

The Canadiens said in a release that doctors expect a full recovery.

“Coach Julien would like to convey his most sincere thanks to everyone at St. Michael’s Hospital for the wonderful care he received during his stay,” the Canadiens said in a statement. “He also wishes to personally and sincerely thank everyone who has sent their well wishes during this time.”

Since Julien left the NHL bubble in Toronto, he will have to follow quarantine protocol if he wishes to re-enter it.

According to the protocol, team members wanting to return to the bubble must provide four consecutive negative COVID-19 tests carried out over four days. They will be quarantined over at least that time period, and possibly up to 14 days depending on risk of exposure while outside the bubble.

Kirk Muller will serve as interim head coach for the remainder of the Eastern Conference quarterfinal series against the Philadelphia Flyers.

The Flyers lead the series 1-0. Game 2 is scheduled for Friday afternoon.

This report from The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 14, 2020.