from Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe,

Claude Julien spent every game of the 2014 Winter Games with Ken Hitchcock’s voice screeching in his ear. Accommodating such a racket may not sound like a pleasant way to experience an athletic pinnacle.

Julien welcomed the cacophony.

During the Olympics, Hitchcock served as Team Canada’s eye in the sky. As he watched, Hitchcock relayed his observations to Julien, who wore the earpiece. In turn, Julien relayed what Hitchcock spotted to head coach Mike Babcock.

“I heard a lot from him and learned a lot from him,” Julien recalled with a smile. “He sees everything. He doesn’t miss a thing out there. He sees every little thing that goes on. He’s got an unbelievable eye for the game.”

On Wednesday, such memories helped Julien get over the glum news that one of his acquaintances had been told to hit the bricks.

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Thomas Vanek will be one of the jewels on the rental market. Based on last year’s prices, however, it’s doubtful Detroit will be able to command a first-rounder in return. Even if the return is a second-round pick, GM Ken Holland should sprint toward making the deal.