With this morning’s news that Pierre Gauthier has been fired as general manager of the Montreal Canadiens, here’s a list of 10 possible candidates to replace him:
Patrick Roy
The former Habs goalie great is a legend in Montreal and he recently had to deny he’d been offered the job. But given he’s spent his post-retirement career in junior hockey, does he have the requisite experience to be a GM in the NHL? Plus there’s the possibility he’s holding out to join the Nordiques, if they do indeed return to Quebec City via Phoenix.
Julien Brisebois
The assistant GM under Steve Yzerman in Tampa Bay. Brisebois spent a number of years in the Montreal organization and has AHL managing experience.
Pierre McGuire
The NBC analyst has been in the running for other GM jobs around the NHL. McGuire’s fully immersed in the league and, yes, he’s bilingual.
Claude Loiselle
The assistant GM under Brian Burke in Toronto, he’s responsible for managing the salary cap and negotiating contracts.
Pat Brisson
One of the NHL’s most prominent agents, it’ll be hard to find someone more familiar with the inner workings of the league. Former agent Mike Gillis won GM of the year in Vancouver last season, which the Habs might note.
Jim Nill
The assistant GM under Ken Holland in Detroit, is there a better organization in which to learn the craft?
Vincent Damphousse
The former Habs captain and NHLPA executive, he’d be a popular choice with the fans.
Marc Bergevin
The assistant GM under Stan Bowman in Chicago, it’s always helpful to flash a newish Stanley Cup ring at interviews.
Craig Button
Current TV analyst and former Flames GM, his name often comes up when there are openings around the league.
Paul Fenton
The assistant GM in Nashville under David Poile, the Predators’ success with a limited budget is a feather in his cap.
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