marco marciano

Canadiens Fire Goalie Coach Eric Raymond, Turn to Marco Marciano for a Fresh Start

Montreal, QC — In a decisive move aimed at reshaping the team's future between the pipes, the Montreal Canadiens announced on Wednesday that they have relieved goaltending coach Eric Raymond of his duties. The decision comes 53 games into the 2025-26 NHL season, a campaign marked by inconsistency and difficulties for the club's netminders.

Stepping into the role on an interim basis for the remainder of the season is Marco Marciano, who has served as the goaltending coach for the Laval Rocket, the Canadiens’ American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate. The shake-up signals a shift in philosophy for the organization as it looks to stabilize one of the most critical positions in hockey.

A Mid-Season Shake-Up

The timing of the change is notable. The Canadiens announced the move on a Wednesday, a mid-week pivot that underscores the urgency of the situation. According to official reports from Sportsnet.ca, TSN, and CityNews Montreal, President of Hockey Operations Jeff Gorton confirmed the firing, citing the need for a new direction.

Eric Raymond had held the position since the 2021-22 season. His tenure began promisingly, but the current season has been a struggle. Through the first half of the campaign, the Canadiens' goaltending statistics have lagged behind league averages. The trio of Jakub Dobes, Samuel Montembeault, and Jacob Fowler have combined for a subpar save percentage of .886, a statistic that undoubtedly contributed to the front office's decision to act before the season slips away completely.

The move is not just about a single season; it is about setting a standard for the future. As the Canadiens continue their rebuild and push for playoff positioning, stability in the crease is non-negotiable.

Who is Marco Marciano?

The name on everyone's lips is Marco Marciano. A Quebec native, Marciano is not a newcomer to the Canadiens organization. He brings nearly two decades of coaching experience to the NHL bench, specifically honed within the team's development system.

A Veteran of the QMJHL

Before joining the professional ranks, Marciano cut his teeth in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). His résumé includes stints with Cape Breton, Drummondville, the Montreal Junior, and the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada. This background is crucial. The QMJHL is known for producing offensive talent, meaning a goalie coach there must be adept at handling high-pressure situations and rapid offensive transitions—skills that translate well to the modern NHL.

The Laval Rocket Connection

Most recently, Marciano served as the goaltending coach for the Laval Rocket. His work in the AHL has been praised for its focus on technical refinement and mental resilience. By promoting from within, the Canadiens are ensuring continuity in their development pipeline while injecting a fresh perspective into the NHL lineup.

Interestingly, Marciano is also a former player. Born in 1982, he played goalie in the QMJHL and briefly in the semi-professional ranks. While his playing career didn't reach the NHL, his understanding of the position from a player's perspective adds a layer of empathy and relatability to his coaching style.

Context: A Difficult Season for Montreal Netminders

To understand why the Canadiens made this move, one must look at the broader context of the season. The "official information" highlights a "difficult season for Montreal netminders," a phrase that encapsulates the team's struggles.

The Statistical Struggle

Goaltending is often the great equalizer in the NHL. When a team is rebuilding, reliable goaltending can mask deficiencies in other areas. However, when goaltending falters, the cracks in the roster become glaring. The .886 combined save percentage mentioned in supplementary reports is below the league average, which hovers around .900 to .905. In a league where games are often decided by a single goal, a deficit of .014 in save percentage can be the difference between a playoff berth and a lottery pick.

The Coaching Carousel

Eric Raymond was the third goaltending coach in the Canadiens' recent history, following the tenures of Stéphane Waite and Sean Burke. The turnover reflects the organization's ongoing search for stability. Raymond was brought in during the 2021-22 season to work with Carey Price during the legend's final years. However, with Price retired and the team transitioning to a younger core, the requirements for the goaltending coach have evolved.

Immediate Effects on the Canadiens

The immediate impact of Marco Marciano’s appointment will be felt most acutely in the dressing room and on the ice.

Technical Adjustments

Marciano is expected to bring a different technical philosophy than his predecessor. While specific details of his coaching methodology are proprietary, his background suggests a focus on modern positioning and rebound control. In the modern NHL, where speed and skill are at an all-time high, goalies must be efficient in their movements. Marciano’s work in the AHL—a league known for its gritty, transition-heavy play—prepares him to address these needs.

Morale and Accountability

Firing a coach mid-season sends a clear message: performance matters. For the goaltenders—specifically Samuel Montembeault, who has shouldered the bulk of the workload—this is a pivotal moment. It serves as a reset button. A new voice can often break a pattern of negative thinking or technical bad habits.

As Jeff Gorton noted in the announcement, the decision was made to provide the team with the best possible support structure. The interim tag on Marciano’s title means he has the remainder of the season to audition for the permanent role. This creates a competitive environment where both the coach and the goalies are motivated to prove their worth.

Future Outlook: The Path Forward

What does this mean for the Montreal Canadiens moving forward?

The Rest of the 2025-26 Season

The immediate goal is stabilization. The Canadiens have roughly 30 games remaining in the regular season. Marciano’s primary objective will be to improve the save percentage and give the team a chance to win every night. If he can stabilize the crease, the Canadiens remain in the hunt for a wild-card spot.

The Summer Plan

If Marciano succeeds, the "interim" tag will likely be removed, solidifying the coaching staff for the next few seasons. If the goaltending continues to struggle, the Canadiens may look externally for a replacement during the offseason.

Furthermore, the organization is currently developing several promising goaltending prospects, including Jacob Fowler. Marciano’s track record of developing young talent in Laval makes him an ideal mentor for these up-and-coming players as they transition to the NHL level.

Broader Implications for the NHL

This move highlights a growing trend in the NHL: teams are increasingly willing to make mid-season coaching changes to address specific weaknesses. The goaltending coach is no longer a "safe" position; it is a high-performance role with immediate accountability. The Canadiens' decision to act swiftly rather than wait for the offseason demonstrates a proactive management style under Jeff Gorton and Kent Hughes.

Conclusion

The firing of Eric Raymond and the promotion of Marco Marciano represents a calculated risk by the Montreal Canadiens. It is a recognition that the status quo was not yielding the desired results and a belief that a fresh perspective can unlock the potential of the team's goaltending corps.

For the fans in Montreal, the hope is that Marciano can channel his decades of experience—first as a QMJHL stalwart and most recently as the architect of Laval’s goaltending success—into a turnaround on the big stage. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on the crease, watching to see if the new coach can help the Canadiens find the stability they desperately need.

This article is based on verified reports from Sportsnet, TSN, and CityNews Montreal. Additional context provided regarding Marco Marciano’s career is based on public hockey database records and supplementary reports.