Former Moose Coach Alain Vigneault Retires

The 62-year-old Quebec product announced this past week that he has coached his final game.

Speaking with Le Journal de Quebec, Vigneault made it clear that he went into his deal with the Philadelphia Flyers knowing it would be his final coaching gig.

“When I signed my contract with the Flyers (in 2019), I told those around me this would be my last,” he said in French.

Beginning his career with the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, Vigneault worked his way through Trois-Rivieres, Hull, Beauport and Prince Edward Island, while also serving within the NHL with the Ottawa Senators, Montreal Canadiens, Vancouver Canucks, New York Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers.

He will be long remembered as the winningest coach in Canucks history (313 victories), and spent six years with the organization. Prior to earning his bump back up to the big leagues, Vigneault spent one year with the Manitoba Moose, coaching the likes of Kevin Bieksa and Alex Burrows.

It was actually the only season he ever spent in the American Hockey League. His Moose went 44-24-12 on the year but lost in the second round of the 2006 Calder Cup Playoffs. Vigneault was hired as head coach of the Canucks shortly after, replacing Marc Crawford at the helm. 

Vigneault coached 1,363 career games and is under contract through 2023-24 with Philadelphia, totalling $5 million per season. 

“I’ve had a good career," Vigneault said through translation. "Hockey was good for me and my family. At some point, you have to have a little fun and that’s where I’m at in my life. I’m trying to work on my golf, even if it’s not too good."