Claude was in Fredericton this weekend for the Fredericton Express (Nordiques old farm team) 25 year reunion. He drove down with his RV and wife and 10 month old daughter. Did manage to sit out in the RV park with him Friday night and have a cool one or two but he has been busy with the activities down here in aid of Special Olympics. At any rate, some things I found out (and ya some of these may be common knowledge so let me say that upfront before anyone questions my friendship with CJ). Take what you want out of it. None of it is top secret stuff:

1. Lou Lamourillo contacted him right after he was fired by Gainey. They had a good conversation and there was instant "chemistry" between the 2 which he says is very important between a coach and GM. They agreed to talk again after the season was over. Julien wanted to take time to let the dust settle, entertain other offers (inlcluding going back to Junior) and let Lou finish the season.


2. He is scared to death of the price of housing in Jersey. He has sold his house in Montreal but kept his home in Orleans where he grew up. He says that houses in Jersey in a decent neighbourhood go for a million bucks (I asked him how decent a neighborhood he wanted)


3. He told me he is very doubtful that Shanahan would sign in Montreal. He also feels that the whole language and media thing is overblown and is not something he hears alot about. Jarvis has his kids in an English school an dthey are also taking french and are very happy. He indicated that taxes are probably a bigger factor but that Gainey has compensated for that by offering more money.


4. The 3 year deal he has in Jersey offered him the security he was looking for


5. He is not at all worried about the cap space in Jersey. Lamorillo has some things cooking and he feels that they have signed the players they wanted to sign. The players they will be trading away will be for high draft picks to restock the farm and are players that they intended on trying to move anyway.