MONTREAL — Jacques Martin is the new coach of the Montreal Canadiens.

The team announced the hiring Monday, and Martin was to be introduced at an afternoon news conference.

Martin has been general manager of the Florida Panthers the past three seasons and coached the team from 2004 to 2008.

Martin replaces GM Bob Gainey behind the bench. Gainey took over after firing Guy Carbonneau on March 9. The Canadiens were swept by Boston in the first round of the playoffs.

This will be Martin's fourth NHL coaching job. In addition to Florida, he also coached St. Louis and Ottawa. He was coach of the year in 1999.

Martin's deal with Florida runs through the 2011-12 season. It isn't clear if the Canadiens must compensate the Panthers.