According to a few sources following the Montreal Canadiens GM search situation closely, the organization is narrowing down their candidates for a new general manager and are down to about three or four top choices. The names change slightly based on the source of the information, but the consensus seems to be that the Canadiens have completed their initial interviews, will be going to round two and decision may follow closely.
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According to Eric Engels of Sportsnet, he thinks the naming of a new GM is coming soon. The team may have a decision in the next few days with three candidates left in the running and according to the Journal de Montreal, the new GM will be chosen on Monday. Of those three candidates, Daniel Briere and Mathieu Darche are getting serious consideration.
Meanwhile, Pierre LeBrun of TSN and The Athletic reports that agent Kent Hughes “has re-entered the picture” and is being considered for the job. Montreal had apparently ruled him out early, but have circled back to him this week. Whether he is one of Engel’s three candidates or not is unclear. He also notes, “Hughes, who is a part of Quartexx Management, represents many Quebec-born NHL players, including Boston Bruins’ forward Patrice Bergeron, Pittsburgh Penguins’ defenceman Kris Letang, and New York Rangers’ forward Sammy Blais.”
Who the GM will be might depend on the direction the Habs ultimately decide to go both short-term and long-term. If the team elects to tear things down and rebuild, a GM that will be able to successfully navigate that rebuild is important. If the team wants to compete and make subtle changes via trade, Jeff Gorton may hire someone who can help him navigate those deals.
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