Penguins hoping Jacques Martin brings experience, perspective as assistant

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - The Pittsburgh Penguins have hired Jacques Martin as an assistant coach.

A former head coach with St. Louis, Ottawa, Florida and Montreal, Martin joins Tony Granato and Todd Reirden as assistants on Dan Bylsma’s staff.

"Jacques is a highly respected and accomplished coach who will be a tremendous addition to our staff," general manager Ray Shero said in a statement. "He brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to our organization because of his extensive background as a head coach and an assistant."

Martin’s NHL head-coaching resume includes 1,294 games, 613 wins and 12 playoff appearances in 17 seasons. He ranks seventh all-time among NHL coaches in games coached and 10th all-time in wins. He won the Jack Adams Award as coach of the year with Ottawa in 1999 and was a finalist for the award on three other occasions.

Bylsma said he and Martin have been talking over the last several weeks.

"It will be great to have another voice, another perspective — especially from a man of Jacques' experience," he said. "We’re all looking forward for getting together as a staff and preparing for the coming season."

Martin last coached with Montreal during the 2011-12 season and worked last year as a television analyst.

"It’s such an exciting opportunity to come to Pittsburgh and work with Dan, Tony, and Todd," Martin said. "The expectations are always high for the Penguins, but I look forward to the challenge and to helping Dan and his staff in any way possible."