A tumultuous week for Canadiens forward Alex Galchenyuk added a new twist Thursday when certified NHLPA hockey agent Dan Milstein alleged that Montreal coach Claude Julien has a problem with Russian hockey players.

“Alex Galchenyuk isn’t a problem but coach is. Has never successfully coached Russian. Took midseason most-Russian club. All but one Russian gone,” said Milstein on Twitter.

The tweets have since been deleted.

Milstein was referring to the Canadiens summer departures of Alexei Emelin (to Vegas Golden Knights in the expansion draft), Mikhail Sergachev (via trade with the Tampa Bay Lightning), and Alex Radulov and Andrei Markov (via free agency).

When reached by phone Thursday afternoon, Milstein apologized for commenting on another agent’s player (Galchenyuk is represented by Pat Brisson), but stood by his claim Julien has difficulty with Russian players.

“These are my observations,” Milstein told Sportsnet. “I represent several Russian players, and I know Alex is not one of them and I’m out of line for commenting because I don’t represent him. But I’m just stating the facts.

“I have nothing but respect for [Canadiens general manager] Marc Bergevin. But it seems obvious the coach doesn’t like Russians.”

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