The New Jersey Devils have hired former Vancouver Canucks goaltending coach Roland Melanson, the team announced Saturday.
This move is significant for the Devils as it reunites Melanson with former Canucks netminder Cory Schneider.
Melanson served as the Canucks’ goalie coach for six seasons, from 2010-11 to 2016-17, and worked with Schneider for three years, beginning with his impressive rookie campaign (2010-11).
Schneider, of course, was dealt to New Jersey in 2013—a move that ended the long crease-sharing saga with Roberto Luongo in Vancouver.
“I want to thank Trevor Linden and the Vancouver Canucks organization for allowing Rollie to join the New Jersey Devils,” Devils general manager Ray Shero said via a press release. “Rollie is well-respected throughout the League as a teacher and his experience with various goaltenders will be very beneficial. Additionally, I have enjoyed working with [former Devils goalie coach] Chris [Terreri] the past two years and am very happy that he will remain with the organization. His knowledge and passion will help us continue to grow as a team.”
Schneider has been a steady presence in the Devils’ crease since joining the club, but struggled at times in 2016-17. His .908 save percentage and 2.82 goals-against average this year were the worst of his NHL career.
Prior to joining the Canucks, Melanson was an assistant coach with the Montreal Canadians from 1997 to 2009. The former NHL goalie is also a three-time Stanley Cup champion with the New York Islanders’ dynasty in the early 1980s.
Per the release, Terreri’s title with the team is yet to be determined.
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