Julien's plan to wait on next gig changed when Canadiens called

Claude Julien planned to wait until spring before making a decision on his next coaching gig. That was, until his old team came calling.

A week after being fired from his post with the Boston Bruins, Julien agreed to a five-year contract to coach the Montreal Canadiens, which runs through the 2021-22 season.

As Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman notes, Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin, who pulled the trigger on the move, is working under the same timeline.

Julien began his conference call Wednesday by expressing sympathy for Michel Therrien, who he'll officially replace when the Canadiens return from their bye this weekend.

"I was a guy who was let go a little over a week ago," Julien said. "I know the feeling when you're let go and it's not fun."

Julien noted that Montreal has the best netminder in the world in Carey Price, along with good puck-movers and a talented group up front. He said the team needs to remember all the positives from the start of the year, and that he plans to determine whether Montreal's issues are rooted in style, or a sudden lack in confidence.

"When you play with pride, it makes a big difference," Julien said. "We're going to try to create that from inside the dressing room."

Julien's second tenure with the organization will officially commence Saturday against Winnipeg. Montreal will not meet the Bruins - who Julien coached for 10 seasons - again in the regular season.