Pierre Gauthier is out as GM of the Montreal Canadiens. Gauthier made a number of errors in the job. He was also, for most people, completely unlikeable and unavailable. When you’re a “It’s My Way or the Highway” kind of guy, sometimes you’re the one asked to hit the road.
But none of that matters. Habs owner Geoff Molson is a Montreal guy, who spent his formative years kneeling at the alter of the Habs cathedral. Molson has that Habs fan swagger – “Uh, we’re the Montreal Canadiens. We don’t finish in last place.”
Bob Gainey who was doing some advising or consulting or something, was also shown the door.
Former GM Serge Savard is helping in the search but says he is not a candidate. Of course, you never know. He held the job for over a decade. The Blue Jays hired Paul Beeston to help them find a new president and hired himself for the gig.
Some of the candidates:
Patrick Roy – He’ll take up a lot of oxygen. He’ll want a lot of power and a big salary. He may even want to coach too. He's also the people's choice. Says he's listen but isn't sure yet he wants the job. Translation: You want me, it's going to cost you. I haven't forgotten my last game there.
Julien Brisebois – Assistant GM in Tampa. He had the same gig in Montreal but that might actually hurt him. Brisbois was hired by Bob Gainey, who obviously fell out of favour with the Molsons
Marc Bergevin – The best guy if you want some levity around your organization. After Pierre Gauthier’s uptight reign, Bergevin - the Blackhawks’ executive would be like a colon cleanse for that organization. He was a total prankster as a player.
Francois Giguere – ex Colorado GM who many believe didn’t get a fair shake with the Avs.
Pierre Dorion – Sens director of player personnel. He’s worked for Habs before in yearsw wher they drafted Carey Price and Andrei Markov.
Pierre McGuire – He’s got good local support in Montreal, largely because he’s on the Team Radio in Montreal every day the same way he is here. Pierre knows the game and its players.
