Martin Brodeur
Martin Brodeur, like Luongo, was an exceptional goaltender in the NHL and he also appears to being prepared for a large role with his current organization.
Brodeur played all but seven of his NHL leading (among goalies) 1266 games with the New Jersey Devils. He is currently serving as the team’s Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations. He also acts as a Senior Advisor for the team.
This is Brodeur’s third year in the front office of the Devils, after working with the St. Louis Blues for three seasons as the Assistant General Manager and one year as a Special Advisor. So, he has plenty of experience working on the managerial side of an organization.
Growing up in Montreal, and being among the greatest goaltenders to ever play the game, Brodeur would come with plenty of pedigree. Taking over the role as general manager of the Montreal Canadiens isn’t for the faint of heart, but Brodeur has passed every test he has faced in hockey.
It would be a bit of a risk for Geoff Molson to pass over a former great Montreal Canadiens goaltender like Patrick Roy, and bring in a former great New Jersey Devils goaltender to be the Habs GM. However, Roy’s time in the front office with the Colorado Avalanche didn’t go well as there were plenty of rumours of turmoil as he tried to wrestle control away from Joe Sakic, and the team didn’t progress well under his watch as head coach.
Brodeur has paid his dues over the past seven seasons in managerial roles at the NHL with the Blues and Devils. He would be far more prepared for this role.