'This organization needs a fresh start': Montreal Canadiens owner Geoff Molson on firing GM Marc Bergevin
Calling it a "fresh start," Montreal Canadiens owner, president and CEO Geoff Molson said Monday he will hire two people to replace the general manager he fired Sunday with a focus on diversity.
Molson addressed the media after "relieving" Marc Bergevin of his GM duties along with assistant GM Trevor Timmins and senior VP of public affairs and communications Paul Wilson.
"I strongly believe that this organization needs a fresh start," said Molson, adding that the organization has made 45 draft picks in the past five years and 11 more are coming.
"It is essential that we structure our organization around properly developing this group of talent," he said.
The quest for a new GM begins now, Molson said, adding that the new GM will need to be bilingual and part of the team's diversity plan.
"From the hockey side, there is quite a big opportunity to intruduce different perspectives into the organization, and that will just make us stronger," said Molson.
In fact, there will be two positions replacing Bergevin's post.
Former New York Rangers general manager Jeff Gorton will serve as executive vice president of hockey operations as the team searches for a new general manager to work alongside him.
"It's a lot for one person, and if I could back up a few years and know what I know today, I would have complimented him (Bergevin) with another person," said Molson. "It's that big a job in this market."
Molson said Gorton has signed a long-term contract, and that Molson's role as Canadiens president will not change.
Bergevin was fired the day after assistant GM Scott Mellanby resigned in the middle of the Canadiens' game against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Bergevin served for a decade as Habs GM, highlighted by a trip to the Stanley Cup finals last season.
In 10 seasons, the Habs went 344-265-81 (18th best in the NHL). The Canadiens won three division titles, and made the playoffs six times.
This year, however, Montreal has just 14 points after 23 games, the fewest in franchise history. The team also has a minus-29 goal difference, better than only the Arizona Coyotes.
Molson said Monday that the start to the season has been "unacceptable."
The team is fourth from the bottom of the league tied with fellow struggling Canadian franchise from the west coast - the Vancouver Canucks. Both teams have won just six games in regulation this season.
The two teams face each other Monday night at the Bell Centre in a battle of the basement dwellers.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Unruly passenger' forces WestJet flight to make emergency landing in B.C.
A WestJet flight heading to Calgary had to make an emergency landing in northern B.C. Monday due to an incident involving an 'unruly passenger,' Mounties say.
Debunking the 'anti-sunscreen' movement: Doctors say TikTok trend is dangerous
Dermatologists are sounding the alarm about misinformation from the anti-sunscreen movement, saying not wearing sunscreen can cause cancer and other problems.
Three people shot to death in tiny South Dakota town; former mayor charged
Three people were shot to death in a small South Dakota town, and a former law officer who once served as the town's mayor is charged in the killings.
Poilievre Conservatives offer to help Trudeau Liberals pass foreign interference bill
Pierre Poilievre's Conservative Party is offering to help Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberal government pass a piece of legislation aimed at countering foreign interference in Canada.
The double-level airplane seat is back. This time, there’s a first-class version
It’s the airplane seat design that launched a thousand memes and kickstarted a media storm. And now the double-level seat is back – only this time, with a twist.
Ont. university says professor fired over 'unethical' sexual relationships with students
An associate professor at McMaster University has been fired after its board of governors found that he engaged in 'unethical, inappropriate and in some instances exploitative' sexual relationships with students.
Richard Dreyfuss' comments about women, LGBTQ2S+ people and diversity lead venue to apologize
The actor Richard Dreyfuss showed up in a dress at a 'Jaws'-themed event in Massachusetts, where the blockbuster 1975 movie he starred in was shot, and then proceeded to make demeaning remarks about women, LGBTQ2S+ people and diversity.
'Son of Sam' killer Berkowitz denied parole in 12th attempt
'Son of Sam' killer David Berkowitz, who set New York City on edge with late-night shootings in the 1970s, was denied parole after his twelfth board appearance.
DEVELOPING Trump prosecutor focuses on 'cover-up' in closing arguments while defence attacks key witness
Donald Trump's landmark hush money trial turns on the testimony of a prosecution witness who told lies on the stand and cannot be trusted, a defence lawyer said Tuesday during closing arguments.