American Jeff Gorton has yet to choose the next general manager of the Montreal Canadiens. Far from there. A list of potential candidates is yet to be drawn up.
• Read also: Next GM of the Canadian: Jacques Martin is not in the race
• Read also: From bad to worse for the Rocket
Asked directly about the case of Patrick Roy, who showed his interest in the position, Gorton was cautious.
“I won’t hide from you that I have immense respect for him,” Gorton replied, of Roy. I will not refuse any candidacy, but I will not go any further. Honestly, I am not afraid of any type of character. I want to hire someone who will complete the work I have to do. ”
Recently appointed to head the hockey department of the Montreal Canadiens, Gorton was alone in front of the media on Friday morning in Brossard. The day before, he had witnessed the Canadian’s 4-1 loss to the Colorado Avalanche.
“Hello everyone! It is with great pride that I accepted the position of executive vice-president of hockey operations … with the goal of bringing the Stanley Cup back to Montreal, ”the unilingual anglophone first read, offering so much although badly a few words in French.
“It’s a challenge that interests me and challenges me,” Gorton then noted, recalling that the Canadian is one of the original six clubs.
Upcoming changes
Regardless of the identity of the future GM, Gorton, executive vice-president of hockey operations, has hinted that the Montreal club will undergo several changes in the coming months.
“There are a number of things that we are going to have to change,” he said. I want to see a certain number of games before making certain decisions. ”
Already, Gorton has mentioned his desire to improve the advanced stats department and make some additions to help player development.
It should be remembered that Gorton was given this position at the head of the hockey department by the owner Geoff Molson following the dismissal of Marc Bergevin. To support it, in a two-headed management, will soon be added the next DG, whether it is Patrick Roy or not … Gorton admitted that he had not yet established a precise list of potential candidates.