That, I have to admit, surprises me in the medium term. It’s Martin Leclerc, journalist at Radio-Canada, who just did the reveal on BPM Sports’ airwaves!

According to him, Jeff Gorton, Canada’s vice present at hockey, may be tempted to take a general manager position elsewhere in the NHL if the opportunity arises.

But let’s start at the beginning, if you allow me.

On November 28, 2021, Geoff Molson announced the hiring of Jeff Gorton as VP Hockey for the Canadiens. The observation back then is quite simple, it takes someone knowledgeable about hockey to fill that position rather than Molson, who in big business has other fish to fry. Gorton’s first mandate is to hire a general manager, Kent Hughes of course, to look after the hockey club while he handles the administrative side of the business.

Except that maintaining these types of files isn’t necessarily for everyone. Gorton, he’s a hockey guy and notAdministrator In fact, it has its day. In a text published this morning by Nick Kypreos, We learn that Gorton is bored with the action of the GM’s position at the moment. Leclerc he adds a level:

“Jeff Gorton probably wouldn’t refuse to return as general manager in another organization. – Martin Leclerc

.@MLeclerc_Hockey says he mentions in a column published by Nick Kypreos that Jeff Gorton may be tempted to take a GM position elsewhere in the NHL.💣

To listen to his complete chronicle with @MartinLemay: https://t.co/fJHC3M3kyr pic.twitter.com/VrU8XirLvQ

— BPM Sports (@BPMSportsRadio) March 30, 2023

Martin Leclerc points out that Nick Kypreos does not hesitate to pick up the phone to contact people in high positions in the NHL for privileged information and that he has absolutely no doubt that what he is saying , is justified.

This rumor, because it’s current, remains interesting because guys like Kyprios and Leclerc wouldn’t jump on it unless there was something tangible behind it. There is no smoke without fire, as they say.

That brings me to a few thoughts…

First, when we said there was too much work for one man at the helm of the Canadians, was that really the case? When Gorton is bored there are two possibilities, either a lack of personal interest or a lack of work. If the second answer is correct, then we have to ask ourselves whether Gorton really needs to be replaced in his functions in the event of his departure. However, one can even wonder if the CH might hire a new VP to back Hughes as he remains a DG with very little experience.

Then, remember, when Hughes was hired with no experience in the DG role, some had argued that he was only appointed to tick the French-speaking box and that the really important DG duties could be filled by Gorton at the bottom. If Gorton lacks work, we have to conclude that Kent Hughes isn’t just Jeff Gorton’s puppet, pulling the strings behind the scenes.

Also, the French fact brings me to my next consideration. Gorton couldn’t oust Hughes as the Canadian’s GM because he doesn’t speak French accurately. If he really wants that title, it’s going to be somewhere other than Montreal.

In the event of Jeff Gorton’s departure, he will leave behind a more modern organization than the one he inherited, having among other things created an advanced statistics department which the Canadian badly needed.

Much

– Sean Farrell will play his first game in Montreal tonight.

Sean found his way 😌

found his way home#GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/Q8Q7iAR9x7

— Montreal Canadiens (@CanadiensMTL) March 30, 2023

– The hunt for the record continues in Boston.

tea @NHLBruins are five wins away from the NHL season record with eight games left.

Will they get there? #NHLBruins pic.twitter.com/5vsC59L0bS

— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) March 30, 2023

The Avalanche sign another college free agent.

Nice to meet you, Ondrej!#GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/QjOsCirafH

— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) March 30, 2023