Habs News: NHL, Montreal Canadiens, Geoff Molson, Jeff Gorton, Marc Bergevin, Trevor Timmins, Paul Wilson, Scott Mellanby

ROCKET SPORTS MEDIA | LAVAL, QC. — Canadiens owner Geoff Molson pulled the trigger on Sunday afternoon announcing changes within the organization’s hockey operations department. Marc Bergevin, Trevor Timmins, and Paul Wilson were all relieved from their duties.

Jeff Gorton will serve as the team’s Executive Vice President, Hockey Operations. He will be responsible for day-to-day hockey operations until a new general manager is hired. The process to find the next general manager that speaks English and French is under way.

“On behalf of myself and the organization, I wish to thank Marc Bergevin, Trevor Timmins, and Paul Wilson for their passion and engagement towards our Club over the last years. Their relentless work allowed our fans to experience many memorable moments, including last summer’s playoff run that culminated with the Stanley Cup Final. We wish them all the success they deserve in the pursuit of their careers. I think, however, that the time has come for a leadership change within our hockey operations department that will bring a new vision and should allow our fans and partners to continue cheering for a championship team,” said Molson via statement.

The owner will meet the media on Monday at 11:00 am eastern time to address the changes.

Jeff Gorton

Rumblings of changes began prior to Saturday’s puck drop, as Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported that the Canadiens received permission from the Rangers to speak to Jeff Gorton. 

Gorton has held several management positions in the NHL since 1992. He spent 14 years with the Bruins, before being hired by the Rangers as a director of player personnel in October 2008. In July 2011, he was promoted to assistant general manager, and held that role for four years, when he was promoted to the role of general manager. In May 2021, the hockey world was stunned when ownership relieved Gorton of his duties. 

Gorton is expected to arrive in Montreal by Wednesday.

Marc Bergevin

The writing was on the wall that Marc Bergevin days with the organization were numbered. His contract was set to expire at the end of the season, and there was no indication of an extension. Six wins after 23 games did not help Bergevin’s case. 

Bergevin started feeling the pressure last season, when the team was off to a shaky start. Prior to the start of the 2020-21 season, Bergevin signed Joel Edmundson, Tyler Toffoli, Jake Allen, Corey Perry, and acquired Josh Anderson via trade.

“We have high expectations internally, we won’t hide that, we have to perform,” Bergevin said at the time. When the team was not meeting those expectations, Bergevin relieved Claude Julien, Kirk Muller, and later Stephane Waite from their duties in attempt to shake things up.

“Saying farewell to an organization like the Montreal Canadiens is not an easy thing to do. I want to leave the organization in the same way I came in: with a lot of pride,” Bergevin said via statement on Sunday.

“Despite the fact that this journey is coming to an end, I am proud of the legacy I’m leaving within the organization. The current team is much better than the results show, and I am convinced that my successors will be able to rise to the challenge.”

Bergevin joined the organization from the Blackhawks in May 2012 to replace Pierre Gauthier as general manager. In the 10 seasons under Bergevin, the Canadiens had 344-265-18 record, six playoff appearances, including last season’s Stanley Cup final appearance. He finished second in voting for the general manager of the year award in 2013-14, and 2020-21 season.

Timmins and Wilson

Trevor Timmins joined the Canadiens organization in 2002-03, and was promoted to assistant general manager in July 2017. In his role, he was responsible for the amateur scouting system, including the annual NHL Entry Draft and amateur free-agent recruitment. Prior to joining the Canadiens, Timmins held several roles in hockey operations for the Senators from 1992 to 2002.

Timmins took heat from some fans and media about the organization’s selections during his tenure. There’s a good debate that can be made on either side whether the fingers should be pointed at the drafting or development of the prospects.

Paul Wilson joined the organization in May 2018 as senior vice-president in charge of public affairs and communications. In his role, he was responsible for all aspects of public affairs and communications for Groupe CH. Before joining the Canadiens, Wilson had extensive experience in public relations with several large corporations.

The Canadiens took a huge public relations hit after drafting Logan Mailloux in last year’s NHL Entry Draft. Geoff Molson apologized to fans for the selection, after sponsors and Canadian Prime Minister expressed disappointment with the team’s decision.

Scott Mellanby Resignation

The first signs of change coming within the organization were on Saturday, when the Canadiens announced the resignation of Scott Mellanby from his role as assistant general manager. Mellanby joined the organization in May 2012 as director of player personnel and was promoted to assistant general manager during the summer of 2014.

The Athletic reported that Mellanby was promised that he would be the team’s next general manager, before ownership changed their mind. TSN’s Pierre Lebrun reported that Mellanby was told on Friday that he was no longer in the running for a promotion. The broken promise made it easy for Mellanby to decide to move on.

Mellanby has been a candidate for several general manager vacancies around the league. In May 2019, the Penguins obtained permission to speak to Mellanby for their vacant general manager role, but he declined the interview after speaking to Bergevin. Mellanby advised his superior that he’s happy in Montreal and will not interview for any job in the near future.

As the assistant general manager, Mellanby had key responsibilities in the hockey operations department. “He is a guy who has a good analysis of the players. For me, as a coach, when a new player arrived he could give me the right information to know what to expect or how to employ him,” Dominique Ducharme said.

In addition to pro scouting, Mellanby also had an important role with the Laval Rocket. He led the process with Martin Lapointe to hire Jean-Francois Houle when Joel Bouchard left the organization, and was in charge for signing the team’s players.

Listen to the Canadiens Connection podcast

Current Habs topics were discussed on this week’s episode of the Canadiens Connection. Listen, share and subscribe!

By Chris G., Senior Writer
All Habs Hockey Magazine
Copyright © 2021 Rocket Sports

===