We still have a few weeks to discuss the value of the various candidates for the post of general manager of the Canadiens.
Jeff Gorton, the new vice-president of hockey operations of the Canadiens, has indeed indicated that the hiring of his GM should not be done before Christmas.
And what will this GM be like? Gorton did not close any doors, but still gave a general idea of the hiring criteria.
“I’m looking for someone who has a very good knowledge of hockey, who understands how the environment works,” replied Gorton, in a crowded press room at the Canadiens training center in Brossard.
“Maybe this person doesn’t have tons of experience as a CEO, but what else can they bring? How can she get us to look at scenarios differently? It could be someone maybe a bit from left field (outside the box), but which will be complementary to me. ”
Relaunched on the issue, Gorton reiterated the importance of complementarity.
“We really want to find someone who has a different outlook,” said the Bostonian. I have been in hockey my whole life. It could be an agent, it could just be a former player. I’ve never been an agent or a player… It could be someone with a different background. I’ve seen names, I’ve had calls. But I want to give myself time to see the options. ”
At first glance, these comments suggest that the hiring of Martin Madden Jr., as CEO, would be surprising. The Quebecer, who is an assistant GM with the Ducks, has never played at the professional level, like Gorton, and made his classes as director of recruiting. Like Gorton.
The candidate Roy
A source consulted for a portrait of Gorton earlier this week told us about the sense of humor of the new boss of hockey in Montreal. A touch of self-mockery, he said.
We had a good illustration of this when he was asked about his desire to learn French. “My wife bought me an online course. I am committed to doing my best. But 30 years ago, I told myself I wanted to get good at golf, and I’m still bad today! At the moment, Gorton doesn’t speak it at all, and read an opening statement in French, with mixed results.
Gorton also sparked hilarity when asked about Patrick Roy, who spoke loudly at a press briefing this week of his interest in the CEO position. “I’ve heard of him, yes! Gorton said.
PHOTO YAN DOUBLET, THE SUN
Patrick roy
In terms of personality, Roy appears to be complementary to Gorton, described everywhere as a very calm man.
“I have a lot of respect for him, for what he has accomplished. He’s always been an emotional guy who says what he thinks, Gorton recalled. But I just arrived, I take the pulse of the organization. We will look at everyone who thinks they can frame. I won’t say yes or no to anyone. But I’ve heard about Roy’s statement, I know he’s passionate, I know people who know him well. ”
Who will have their hands on the wheel?
There remains the perennial question of the sharing of responsibilities. It seemed clear, with his title of vice president, that Gorton would be above the future CEO in the hierarchy. The question is far from trivial, since it could discourage candidates who fear they may not have full control over decisions.
Gorton indicated that his future colleague would have “a direct line” with Geoff Molson, and gave a general idea of the operation he envisages. He himself, as DG of the Rangers, was also counting on an old truck driver in John Davidson to support him.
“Look elsewhere, in New York, in Boston. You see a lot of two-man, collaborative systems. This is what we are going to aim for. The CEO will need authority to make decisions. I think with my experience I will be a good asset to this person. That’s what attracted me here.
“In New York, I had the authority to make decisions. You build your staff, you make your decisions by relying on your close guard. There aren’t many organizations where one person makes the decisions. ”
Gorton returned to this notion of experience in support of the CEO, mentioning that “the more it goes, the more we will give our director general the power to talk to the other CEOs. They hired me to help, for my experience. ”
Will he be the boss of the future CEO? “My role is to use my experience to help this person. Those who know me know that I don’t have a big ego, that I don’t stop at the title. I just want to be a guy who makes hockey decisions and I think I can help this team. ”
And the reconstruction?
Gorton gave some interesting information for his next hire, but on the hockey side, he didn’t want to come forward. “I’m still taking the pulse of the organization,” he said.
Thus, he did not confirm anything about the possibility of starting a reconstruction. Recall that in New York, he announced his decision in the form of a letter sent to supporters in February 2018. “If that’s what we decide [une reconstruction], we will be very transparent. ”
If he opts for this avenue, the process won’t be straightforward, as the squad has 11 players (a figure that doesn’t include Shea Weber) who hold deals good until 2024 or later, worth annual over three million dollars. “We have several long-term contracts and we’ll have to look at who stays. But tomorrow [samedi], this will be my second game with the team. I have to familiarize myself with the players. ”
He also replied in the affirmative when asked if Dominique Ducharme, despite the Habs 6-17-2 record, was guaranteed to keep his job until the end of the season.