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Montreal Canadiens: How To Fix The Team’s Entire Hierarchy

By Patrick Lortie

MONTREAL, QC - MARCH 02: (L-R) Tyler Toffoli #73, Shea Weber #6 and Ben Chiarot #8 of the Montreal Canadiens stand during the national anthem prior to the game against the Ottawa Senators at the Bell Centre on March 2, 2021 in Montreal, Canada. The Montreal Canadiens defeated the Ottawa Senators 3-1. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
MONTREAL, QC - MARCH 02: (L-R) Tyler Toffoli #73, Shea Weber #6 and Ben Chiarot #8 of the Montreal Canadiens stand during the national anthem prior to the game against the Ottawa Senators at the Bell Centre on March 2, 2021 in Montreal, Canada. The Montreal Canadiens defeated the Ottawa Senators 3-1. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images) /
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BROSSARD, CANADA – MAY 2: Montreal Canadiens owner Geoff Molson. (Photo by Richard Wolowicz/Getty Images)
BROSSARD, CANADA – MAY 2: Montreal Canadiens owner Geoff Molson. (Photo by Richard Wolowicz/Getty Images) /

Team President

Geoff Molson is right up there when it comes to managing the business that is the Montreal Canadiens. When it comes to promoting, marketing, merchandise and overall selling of the Canadiens brand, not since Pierre Boivin have we seen someone sell his product with so much ease.

When it comes to hockey however, it’s clear Molson is wearing too many hats. As President, CEO and co-owner of the team; all the while running Evenko, the Bell Centre and Spectra, he simply has too much on his plate and hasn’t shown what it takes to run a hockey team. Because yes, the President runs the team at the top.

His buddy-buddy relationship with Marc Bergevin has been going on for too long and if he were to leave his seat and hire and actual President of Hockey Operations, we’re going to need someone in it full time and with a little gusto.

Vincent Damphousse

7 Nov 1998: Center Vincent Damphousse #25 of the Montreal Canadiens. Mandatory Credit: Robert Laberge /Allsport
7 Nov 1998: Center Vincent Damphousse #25 of the Montreal Canadiens. Mandatory Credit: Robert Laberge /Allsport /

Damphousse’s name has popped up more than once in the media as the logical candidate to run the hockey operations department. The former captain, Stanley Cup winner and in my opinion a Hall of Fame candidate, has Bleu Blanc Rouge in his blood and understands the culture profoundly. His ongoing friendship and relationship with former general manager Serge Savard could obviously be benificial to him as well as his time as Vice-President of the NHLPA under Trevor Linden.

Serge Savard

LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 27: Former NHL player Serge Savard. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 27: Former NHL player Serge Savard. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

What if a dose of old school is just what this team needs?

Granted, Savard is no spring chicken. At 75, he would be a short-term solution. However, he hasn’t been out of the loop at all when it comes to modern hockey. On more than one occasion he has served as an advisor for the team in various departments, including the hiring of Marc Bergevin himself.

This is a legend of hockey who commands respect in whichever room he presents himself in. If we’re unsure as to which direction to go, maybe this is the guy we need. Make it a 2-3 year project while he’s grooming someone to take his seat. Like Damphousse for example.

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