Edmundson, Bergevin, Mellanby, etc

In this week’s Montreal Canada News & Rumors recap, we break the wild week in Montreal, ending the term of general manager (GM) Marc Bergevin arriving earlier than expected, an addition It is possible for the main office to be a group president and more.

Joel Edmundson Nears Return

Joel Edmundson has been sidelined since the start of the season with an undisclosed lower back injury. His recovery is taking longer than expected, but he’s currently skating with the team in practice and is back soon.

#Habs Dominique Ducharme says Joel Edmundson is on track to return to the squad but will need to do some exercises to give him full exposure before entering games. Edmundson also won’t play Monday against Vancouver.

Although Edmundson is not expected to return to the squad for the next few days, he could be given the green light by the team doctors this week. For a team that sits 32nd in the NHL in terms of goals conceded, his return to help cement the top 4 may not come anytime soon.

Mellanby Exit

In the match Canadianiens vs. The Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday, November 27, news spread on television and social media about some moves by team owner Geoff Molson to make some changes to the operations management team. his hockey moves.

It is reported that assistant general manager (AGM) Scott Mellanby has interviewed for a GM role or possibly even team president.

Heard that at first Scott Mellanby had extensive talks with Habs owner Geoff Molson about becoming a GM, then that changed to perhaps become president of hockey operations . But yesterday he was informed that he was no longer able to run. So he resigned today.

Pierre LeBrun buried the lead, when Mellanby interviewed for GM. That tells us that Marc Bergevin is definitely on his way out, making this season his last Montreal GM. It is also official announcement by the Canadians to whom Mellanby resigned.

Related: Canadians need to focus on young people

According to Lebrun, his resignation was due to not being considered for any new roles, and it makes complete sense that after years of working in the Canadian organization, Mellanby will have hope for a promotion. in his career. If that’s not possible, it might be a better option to move on, especially if there’s going to be a new GM who wants to bring in their own employees.

Bergevin was surprised

It is also reported that Bergevin has asked Mellanby to be his successor following Louis Jean on TVA’s postgame show on Saturday, November 27. The fact that he is no longer running for the role has potentially stinging, especially if he’s unaware of the decision not to accept the recommendation.

However, Bergevin shouldn’t be surprised that Molson is making these decisions right now, with the Canadian team languishing in the standings with a 6-15-2 record and little hope of a rebound in the season. this. Also, it was practically his last season as GM forced Molson to look for a replacement. It seems that the choice to leave Bergevin and his forehand was something Bergevin wasn’t expecting. However, it is a choice that a large section of fans are ready for.

GM will be bilingual

Chris Johnson of TSN Hockey has reported that Canada will hire a GM who speaks fluent French or bilingual.

With the #habs office in disarray, there are high expectations in the industry that the organization will go after a French GM when time comes to replace Marc Bergevin.

Canadian fans might see this announcement and think to themselves as an obvious move. Outside of the Montreal hockey market, however, it’s not as clear-cut. The unique language needs of the Quebec market and media make it essential for managers and coaches to speak French. This is also a very important issue in a province dominated by its linguistic and cultural news, and to be fair or not, Canadians remain at the heart of Quebec’s culture and identity.

A new President?

During the pregnancy performance between Montreal vs. Pittsburgh on Hockey Canada Night (HNIC), Elliotte Friedman delivered a bombshell that Canadians were allowed to speak to former GM Jeff Gorton of the New York Rangers.

Later tonight, but heard Montreal is allowed to speak with former NYR Jeff Gorton. Don’t believe this is for the GM position, but for another role. We will see how it develops.

This is a big step for Habs as they have so far opposed hiring the President of Hockey Operations, with Molson giving Bergevin full autonomy. He even went as far as say why he doesn’t hire a president:

“I have no intention of hiring another president of hockey. There are very few teams across the NHL that do so, and there are plenty of reasons why. Marc is one of the most respected GMs in hockey. Now he is also one of the most experienced. He was surrounded by experienced people… like Scott Mellanby, Martin Lapointe and John Sedgewick. There is a cultural team around the world, and around Marc, to never be afraid to question the decisions we make. ”

Geoff Molson

The fact that Molson is entertaining the idea of ​​a president indicates his desire to leave the Bergevin regime, as well as choose to follow a new scheme. Gorton has experience as a GM and can rely on that to oversee the team during its next GM transition. He might even allow the organization plenty of time in finding a candidate that aligns with the new direction the Canadian is likely to take.

Patrick Roy is not in the plan

Fans are sure to start looking for names to be the next Canadian GM. One of the popular fan picks is the Hockey Hall of Famer and the legendary Montreal, Patrick Roy.

According to Jeff Marek on HNIC, no one phoned Roy or his camp about this possible role. It is highly unlikely that he will be contacted, especially while Molson is focused on finding a President of Hockey Operations. Whoever ends up with that role will start looking for candidates. Although Roy has a pedigree in Montreal and speaks two languages, he is known as someone who needs complete self-control to be satisfied, and if he has to answer to a president, it is unlikely that he will be satisfied. We will have that autonomy.

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Blain is a frequent contributor as a THW Writer. For over 7 years, he has been a part-time journalist and broadcaster for the NHL, Canada Canadianiens and its affiliates. He has appeared on numerous television and radio stations as well as podcasts to discuss the Canadianiens and the NHL. Blain took the lessons of integrity, ethics, values, and honesty he’d learned as a 28-year veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces and applied them to his work. himself as a journalist to guide him to inform his readers and his goal of becoming a trusted person. source of information and entertainment.