NEWSLETTER
While the Chicago Blackhawks continue to operate under interim General Manager Kyle Davidson, and have said that the search for a new head coach and a new General Manager will happen after the season, the Montreal Canadiens are actively searching for their next General Manager while they still have one.
Late last night, Canadiens assistant General Manager Scott Mellanby resigned after it was made clear to him that he would not be in the running for the General Manager position, currently held by Marc Bergevin. But after the 6-15-2 start to the season for the Canadiens, the writing is on the wall that Bergevin is out the door.
Hearing that Scott Mellanby had extensive talks with Habs owner Geoff Molson at first about becoming GM, then that changed to perhaps becoming president of hockey operations. But he was told yesterday he was out of the running. So he resigned today.
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) November 28, 2021
Mellanby, a veteran of 20 NHL seasons and over 1,400 NHL games, has been with the Canadiens front office since 2012, serving as Director of Player Personnel for two years before becoming the assistant General Manager in the 2014-15 season. Coinciding with Mellanby’s resignation last night, it was reported that the Canadiens had reached out to former New York Rangers General Manager Jeff Gorton to take on a role in the front office as well.
With Geoff Molson receiving permission to talk to Jeff Gorton, I’m assuming that’s for a president of hockey job in mind if indeed it goes that way. I’m not assuming anything at this point.
Also, how long does Molson keep Marc Bergevin in a lame duck situation as GM?— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) November 28, 2021
It appears Gorton will in fact take over the Hockey Operations department in Montreal.
Things continue to develop in Montreal. All signs indicate Jeff Gorton will soon be heading up Hockey Operations for the Canadiens.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) November 28, 2021
Which leaves Mellanby out without a position and the Blackhawks currently without a permanent General Manager. While Kyle Davidson will likely stick around in the discussions to remain in the role full-time once that decision is made, Chicago doesn’t seem to have the luxury of time on their side.
Gorton was a potential candidate for the job in Chicago, but is now off the board. There are a handful of candidates available right now for the Blackhawks to consider in their open front office roles (President of Hockey Operations and General Manager), with names like Meghan Chayka, Kevin Weekes, Derek Clancey, and Cammi Granato floating around. Unless the plan is to keep Davidson or promote from within, the Blackhawks will need to act quickly or potentially miss out on a highly qualified candidate as an outside hire.
