Canadiens fire goaltending coach Raymond, name Marciano interim

The Montreal Canadiens have made a surprising midseason move by firing goaltending coach Eric Raymond on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.[1][2] The decision comes 53 games into the NHL season, even as the team holds a playoff position in the Eastern Conference. Raymond, who had been with the organization since 2021, was relieved of his duties by president of hockey operations Jeff Gorton.

Marco Marciano, previously the goaltending coach for the Canadiens’ AHL affiliate, the Laval Rocket, has been promoted to fill the role on an interim basis for the remainder of the season.[1][3] This change aims to address ongoing issues in net amid a challenging year for Montreal’s goaltenders.

Goaltending struggles fuel the firing

Montreal’s netminders have underperformed this season, posting a combined save percentage of .884, which ranks 28th out of 32 NHL teams.[1] The trio of Jakub Dobes, Samuel Montembeault, and Jacob Fowler has struggled to provide consistent stops, contributing to the coaching shakeup.

Dobes, a rookie who earned third-star honors for October, has seen his performance dip to a .890 save percentage and 2.96 goals-against average lately.[4] Montembeault ranks among the league’s lower save percentages for goalies with significant starts, tied for fifth-worst among those with at least 15 games.[5] Fowler, another young prospect, was recently returned to the AHL after showing promise but ultimately posting the group’s best numbers in limited action.[6]

These stats highlight deeper issues in crease management and technique under Raymond’s guidance. For context on potential solutions from the Laval Rocket system, including Fowler and others like Kahkonen, check our analysis in Montreal Canadiens goaltending options: Laval Rocket’s Kahkonen and Fowler provide intriguing solutions.

The Canadiens’ decision underscores a lack of patience despite playoff hopes. Teams often turn to coaching changes when goaltending falters, hoping for quick fixes in player confidence and mechanics.

Eric Raymond’s tenure with Montreal

Raymond joined the Canadiens ahead of the 2021-22 season as goaltending coach, a Montreal native bringing local expertise to the role.[2] Over five years, he worked with a rotating cast of starters and backups during the team’s rebuild phase.

Early promise with prospects gave way to inconsistency this year. Despite the organization’s youth movement, the results in net failed to match the team’s improving defense and offense.

Gorton’s announcement was straightforward, with no detailed reasons beyond the need for change. Raymond’s dismissal marks the end of a steady presence behind the bench.

This move reflects broader trends in the NHL, where specialized coaches face high pressure. Our coverage of the 2025-26 goaltending market analysis touches on similar transitions for rebuilding squads like Montreal.

Marco Marciano’s promotion and background

Marciano steps into the NHL spotlight after years with the Laval Rocket, joining the Canadiens organization in 2013.[3][7] Known for training goalies over 15 years, he served as video coach before taking the Rocket’s goaltending role.

His familiarity with Dobes, Montembeault, and prospects like Fowler could ease the transition. Marciano’s promotion leaves the Rocket without an immediate replacement.[8]

Expectations are high for technical tweaks and mental resets. Interim status suggests evaluation for permanence, depending on results.

Fans hope Marciano brings stability, drawing from his AHL success.

Islanders’ similar move as a blueprint

Montreal isn’t alone; the New York Islanders fired goaltending coach Pierre Greco just six games into the season, promoting Sergei Naumovs.[9] Naumovs, familiar with Ilya Sorokin from the KHL, oversaw a dramatic turnaround.

Pre-change, Sorokin and David Rittich combined for .880 SV% (25th); post-move, .907 (4th) over 46 games.[1] This success story fuels optimism for Canadiens fans.

Details from the ESPN report on Islanders’ change show how targeted hires boost performance.

The official Canadiens statement on NHL.com mirrors this proactive approach.

Such precedents indicate coaching tweaks can spark goaltending surges midseason.

The Canadiens’ net could see similar gains if Marciano connects with the young corps. Playoff aspirations remain intact, but goaltending stability is key.

This firing signals management’s commitment to contending now, not waiting for offseason fixes. Watch for improved metrics in coming weeks—what it means for the standings could define Montreal’s spring run.