Muller: 'I love the organization, I love the city'

MONTREAL - After signing a two-year contract extension with the Canadiens, associate coach Kirk Muller met the media on Monday afternoon at the Bell Centre.

The 52-year-old Kingston, ON native, who has been serving in his role since June 2016, is ecstatic about prolonging his stay in Montreal.
"I'm excited. For me, it feels like Marc [Bergevin] and Geoff [Molson] and Claude [Julien] and our organization feels confident to keep me here," said Muller, ahead of the Canadiens' preseason opener against the New Jersey Devils. "I don't think it's any secret that it's my third time back here, so I love the organization, I love the city and I'm very proud to be here. I want to be a part of it today and in the future."

The former Canadiens captain revealed that discussions regarding the extension took place during the offseason, and he was committed to remaining a part of the coaching staff for the foreseeable future.
"There's a good vibe. There's a good energy," described Muller of the relationship between himself, head coach Claude Julien and newly appointed assistant coaches, Dominique Ducharme and Luke Richardson. "It's always fun having new guys - Dom coming up with new ideas and Luke coming from another organization. Collectively, we feel good. I want to be a part of it and everything worked out well."

With a host of new players to work with this season, Muller was eager for training camp to finally begin. He's been looking forward to sharing his knowledge with the veterans and youngsters alike.
"I think that's the part that makes it challenging, that makes it fun," explained Muller, who previously served as an assistant coach with the Habs from 2006 to 2011. "We've got a mix of older guys and younger guys. So far, it's been fun at camp. Yes, we've got to roll up our sleeves and go to work and work on a lot of areas, work on a lot of details, but it's an energetic group and it's our job to make this team and make individuals better. There are some young guys in the organization and we've got to make them grow and also push the veterans. I'm looking forward to the challenge and it's a great time right now."