Senator Jacques Demers continues to show improvement after suffering a stroke last week, say doctors in Montreal who are treating the former NHL coach.

"Every day he is brighter and looking better," Dr. Angela Genge, a neurologist at McGill University Health Centre, told a news conference on Friday.

"He is aware of his situation and as of yesterday he's been, so we're very pleased with his progress."

​Demers, 71, had the stroke on April 6.

Doctors at <a href="https://twitter.com/TheNeuro_MNI">@TheNeuro_MNI</a> say Jacques Demers is very charming and often smiling. —@morgandunlop

​Dr. Jeanne Teitelbaum, a stroke specialist, told the news conference his stroke was on the left side of his brain, resulting in weakness on his right side as well as trouble speaking.

Teitelbaum said it's difficult to predict whether he will make a full recovery. To begin, Demers will undergo three months of intensive rehabilitative therapy, she said.

"He is very, very motivated, and motivation is very important, so I expect a successful rehab," he said.

Still 'looks like coach of 1993'

Demers coached 1,007 games in the NHL with the now-defunct Quebec Nordiques, St. Louis Blues, Detroit Red Wings, Montreal Canadiens and Tampa Bay Lightning.

He led the Canadiens to a Stanley Cup in 1993.

​Demers resigned from the Conservative caucus in the Senate a few months ago and sits as an Independent.

Teitelbaum added that Demers is "already started to begin some improvement" and still "looks like the coach of 1993 sitting in the bed."

"He's clearly alert and attempting to charm," she said.