Big Changes Coming in Montreal: Bergevin, Gorton, Mellanby…

According to a number of sources who added information to the running storyline that surfaced on Saturday, there are big changes coming to the Montreal Canadiens, specifically in the management and executive positions. It started with news that Scott Mellanby had resigned from his position as Assistant GM, then moved to news that Marc Bergevin was likely going to be removed as GM, with Jeff Gorton potentially being hired in a high-ranking role.

Related: Canadiens Not Tanking Season Likely Due to “Marc Bergevin Factor”

Pierre LeBrun, among others, reported that Mellanby left the Canadiens after being turned down for the President of Hockey Ops job. He notes:

“Mellanby had extensive talks with Habs owner Geoff Molson at first about becoming GM, then that changed to perhaps becoming president of hockey operations. But he was told yesterday he was out of the running. So he resigned today.”

Hearing that Scott Mellanby had extensive talks with Habs owner Geoff Molson at first about becoming GM, then that changed to perhaps becoming president of hockey operations. But he was told yesterday he was out of the running. So he resigned today.

— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) November 28, 2021

The team is expected to hire a French GM which is why the President of Hockey Ops job is the opening being looked at first. There was talk that Bergevin highly recommended Mellanby for the job but the Canadiens decided not to go that route after interviewing him.

It was then learned that the Canadiens sought out and got permission to interview Jeff Gorton, who many believe will be hired in that President of Hockey Ops role.

Louis Jean of TVA Sports notes, “Sources say Marc Bergevin was hurt by the news/rumours on Gorton & Mellanby. He had previously recommended Mellanby to replace him but was kept in the dark on any ongoing talks/négociations.” Jean adds, “Bergevin was made aware of the rumours through the media. He remains the GM as we speak.”

Friedman added:

It’s widely believed Bergevin, the Montreal native who’s in his 10th year as Canadiens GM, will be replaced by someone who can speak French. Our sources have indicated that’s a prerequisite Molson set before hiring Bergevin and one he doesn’t wish to move away from.

It will not likely be Patrick Roy, who as of this moment, has not been contacted by the Montreal Canadiens organization.

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