Canadiens' Julien: I'd love to coach for 'as long as I can'

Montreal Canadiens head coach Claude Julien hopes he can stick around in the NHL for as long as possible after successfully undergoing heart surgery in August.

"Right now, I'm back (at) 100%," Julien said, according to NHL.com's Jon Lane. "My heart is 100%. ... So, as long as my health is good and my passion and excitement remain, I'd love to keep coaching (for) as long as I can."

The 60-year-old left the Canadiens after experiencing chest pains during the 2019-20 postseason. He subsequently underwent a stent procedure.

Julien previously said he'll return to coach Montreal for the 2020-21 campaign. Despite the health scare and his age, he added that he still loves coaching and doesn't envision himself retiring any time soon.

"I love going to the rink every day to work with players and then prepare for games and practices," Julien said. "As long as you love your job and you have the energy to do it and the passion to do it, that's the most important part versus whether you feel like you should retire because you've been coaching long enough."

Julien began his NHL coaching career in 2002. He is one of four bench bosses aged 60 or older, alongside Rick Bowness, John Tortorella, and Joel Quenneville.

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