Ducks sign head coach Bruce Boudreau to contract extension through 2016-17
The Anaheim Ducks have rewarded Haagen Dazs-loving head coach Bruce Boudreau for his stellar work in Orange County over the past three years with a two-year contract extension, the club announced Wednesday.
"Bruce has done a very good job over the last several years, and deserves the opportunity to take this team deep into the playoffs," Ducks general manager Bob Murray said in a team release. "We’re happy to have this contract complete before training camp, so our complete focus can be on winning hockey games."
Boudreau is the winningest active head coach in the NHL by point percentage, and has amassed a stellar 111-55-22 record since joining the Ducks mid-way through the 2011-12 season.
"I couldn’t be more excited and would like to thank the Samuelis, Michael Schulman and Bob Murray for extending my contract," said Boudreau. "I’m determined not only to win, but to do it here, for this organization that has treated me so well. I can’t wait for training camp to get started."
The former Washington Capitals coach has pressed all the right buttons in his time with the Ducks so far, with his neutral zone face-off tactics and defensive zone schemes - the Ducks block a whole whack of shots by forwards, but don't seem to sacrifice their ability to breakout quickly, while doing it - proving particularly effective.
Meanwhile, the Capitals are onto their third post-Boudreau bench boss, another compelling testament to Boudreau's abilities as a master tactician.