It was in the third period Thursday. Impossible to say if it was audible on television, but in the heights of the Bell Center, it was. Fans shouted, twice rather than once, “Patrick Roy!” Patrick Roy! “While the Habs underwent their 19e defeat in 25 games this season.
There were some pretty nods to history here. Because on December 2, it was exactly 26 years, to the day, that Roy had played his last game in the Canadiens uniform.
And it is not known if this was intended by the infamous creator of the NHL calendar, but it was Roy’s former team, the one he was transferred to and for which he coached, that was visiting the Habs. . Everything is in all, Flaubert would no doubt have written if he were still with us.
Before the game, Erik Johnson was questioned about the increasing number of references to Roy’s name in Montreal. The Avalanche defenseman was there for the former No. 33’s three seasons behind the Colorado bench.
I loved it. It would be good for the league if he came back, no matter what role. I really enjoyed playing for him, as a coach and as a person.
Erik Johnson, on Patrick Roy
Head Coach, GM or Assistant
With his famous statement this week – “What have they got to lose by trying me?” “- Roy did not exactly calm things down. His candidacy is already very divisive among the supporters, and such a declaration added to it. Since then, Mario Tremblay and Guy Carbonneau, in particular, have given their support to Roy on various forums.
PHOTO YAN DOUBLET, THE SUN
Patrick Roy behind the Quebec Remparts bench, Thursday evening
His agent, Montrealer Neil Glasberg, however, recalls that his client is not only targeting Montreal in his attempt to return to the National League. “We are ready to speak with any team,” he recalls, on the phone. Later, he would add that “Patrick is capable of being a general manager, assistant to the general manager or head coach”. In short, we open all doors.
Roy’s approach, and his public side, is nothing new, however. Last April, Glasberg announced on Twitter that he was now representing the former goalie with a view to “returning to the NHL as a coach or member of the management”.
What is new is obviously the explosive side of the moment, now that the Habs are looking for a GM to support the new vice-president of hockey operations, Jeff Gorton.
One thing is obvious: Glasberg seemed disappointed with Gorton’s hiring, since he has a few clients who could have filled such a role.
“I had Jim Rutherford for this position, John Ferguson too,” Glasberg recalls. Rutherford has won three Stanley Cups and is in the Hall of Fame. “
Despite his disappointment, Glasberg clearly intends to deal with Gorton, as he says he is “awaiting news” from the new VP about Roy’s candidacy and the timeline he has set for himself to be hired.
Besides Roy, Daniel Brière, Mathieu Darche and Martin Madden Jr. are notably names that are often mentioned for the post of CEO.
Brodeur: a few more years
Speaking of the next general manager, those who still hoped to see Martin Brodeur land in Montreal will have to mourn.
PHOTO OLIVIER JEAN, PRESS ARCHIVES
Martin Brodeur, in April 2015, upon his induction into the QMJHL Hall of Fame
Brodeur is now a hockey operations advisor for the New Jersey Devils. The legendary goalkeeper is one of the Quebecers who have an interesting background in management. He was also an assistant general manager in St. Louis and has worked in administration since his retirement in 2015. But he does not say he is ready for a GM position.
It’s a big commitment. Before, I didn’t know what it was. Then I was an assistant in St. Louis, I saw what it was.
Martin Brodeur, in interview with Press, Thursday
Brodeur still lives in St. Louis, but spends several days a month in New Jersey. His current position allows him such an arrangement, but he fears that a CEO position will prevent him from living his family life to the fullest. “I’m not saying I won’t get it right in three or four years when my boy is older. But with my guy who is 12, that’s not something that interests me. ”
That has the merit of being clear.