Canadiens hire women's hockey star Marie-Philip Poulin

The Montreal Canadiens have finally secured the services of one of hockey's most sought-after free agents.

On Tuesday, the Canadiens announced they have hired three-time Olympic gold medallist and women's hockey legend Marie-Philip Poulin as a player development consultant.

"It is a privilege to add someone as competent as Marie-Philip Poulin in our ranks. She is the best in her field, and her accomplishments will help us build a winning culture within the Canadiens," said president and team owner Geoff Molson. "Her arrival is another step towards achieving the diversity that we want to establish within our organization."

According to the Habs, Poulin will join the team on the ice and in video sessions to help with individual and collective skills. She will hold the position on a part-time basis while pursuing her playing career, the team said.

Poulin is one of the most successful players in the history of women's hockey, winning 15 medals on the international stage with Canada, including three Olympic gold and one silver. Most recently, the 31-year-old led the Canadian women to gold at the 2022 Beijing Games, scoring two goals in the final against the United States and becoming the first player of any gender to score in four consecutive gold-medal games.

The Beauceville, Que., native represented the Boston University Terriers between 2010 and 2015, and was named a finalist for the Patty Kazmaeir Memorial Award for the 2015 season's top NCAA Division 1 women's hockey player.

Poulin then joined the Canadiennes de Montreal of the Canadian Women's Hockey League, where she starred from 2015 to 2019, winning the Clarkson Cup on two occasions and taking home league MVP honours three times.

"We are thrilled with the addition of Marie-Philip Poulin to our hockey development department," said Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes. "Marie-Philip is one of the best players on the planet and she has won at the highest level, which will be very beneficial for our players. Her knowledge, leadership and vision of the game certainly make the Canadiens a better organization."

Poulin will speak to the media from the Habs' practice facility on Tuesday afternoon.

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