Jeff Gorton leaving the Canadiens: a frontrunner has emerged
Photo credit: Montreal Hockey Now
Over the past few months, numerous rumors have circulated regarding the possibility of Jeff Gorton, the Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations, leaving the Montreal Canadiens to take full control of another team in the NHL.
Indeed, given that the Columbus Blue Jackets are currently without a general manager, Jeff Gorton's name has been linked to the American team several times, casting doubt on his future in Montreal. After all, the president of the Blue Jackets is John Davidson, who had hired Gorton during his tenure with the New York Rangers.
This situation has caused a lot of buzz in the Montreal media, creating some concern among fans. Even journalist François Gagnon from RDS had not dismissed this possibility, suggesting that such a scenario was potentially conceivable.
« But a scenario involving Gorton's hiring to take over from his friend Davidson, who could then become some kind of senior advisor, made many people around the League believe that a new start for Gorton was, yes, conceivable. Especially since Gorton, an American from Massachusetts, could thus return south of the border. » – François Gagnon
However, in a recent interview published on TVA Sports, Geoff Molson was categorical, stating that under no circumstances would he allow the Blue Jackets to talk to Jeff Gorton. Having signed a five-year contract with the Montreal Canadiens in 2021, the former Rangers GM appears to be in Montreal to stay.
« The chances that I would allow the Blue Jackets to talk to him are zero. » - Jeff Gorton
Furthermore, during the end-of-year review, the man himself sought to reassure the fans of the Bleu-Blanc-Rouge. Jeff Gorton clearly stated that he was happy to be here, that he loved the organization, and that his main goal was to help Martin St-Louis's team win a 25th Stanley Cup.
« Jeff Gorton refuted rumors that he might leave the Montreal Canadiens for other opportunities: "I am here, I am happy, I love Montreal, I love this organization, Geoff Molson has been incredible with us... winning a Stanley Cup in Montreal is the only thing on my mind." » - Via Priyanta Emrith
This statement officially puts an end to the numerous speculations surrounding Jeff Gorton!
Certainly, the Hughes-Gorton duo is doing excellent work, and the rebuilding process, although not yet complete, is heading in the right direction and is nearing its end. As Martin St-Louis pointed out Tuesday night, do not be surprised if the Montreal Canadiens are fighting for a playoff spot as early as next season.
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18 AVRIL | 156 ANSWERS Jeff Gorton leaving the Canadiens: a frontrunner has emerged How do you think Jeff Gorton has done in Montreal? |
| 10/10 | 42 | 26.9 % |
| 9/10 | 47 | 30.1 % |
| 8/10 | 48 | 30.8 % |
| 7/10 or less | 19 | 12.2 % |
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