HabsWorld.net -- 

The Habs have found their replacement for Shane Churla as they announced moments before their home opener that Martin Lapointe has been appointed as the new Director of Amateur Scouting, receiving a three-year extension as well.  He’s now under contract through the 2023-24 season.

Montreal could have opted to hire someone outside the organization like they did when they added Churla but instead they stayed in-house.  Lapointe has been with Montreal since 2012 when he was appointed as Director of Player Development before being promoted to the Director of Player Personnel back in 2017, a role that he will maintain in addition to his new duties.

This position was vacated back in November when Churla took the same title with the Panthers.  While on paper it seemed like a lateral move, the reality is that while Churla had that top scout title, Trevor Timmins still had final say within the department.  It’s quite likely that this will remain the case with Lapointe simply being elevated in the hierarchy.

Lapointe will have plenty of draft picks at his disposal for his first entry draft this summer as for the time being, the Habs have a whopping 14 selections including two picks in the second round plus three in rounds three through five.