Canadiens fire GM Marc Bergevin and assistant GM Trevor Timmins; hire Jeff Gorton to be executive vice president of hockey operations

Following a horrendous start to the season, the Montreal Canadiens have cleaned house in their front office.

The Canadiens announced on Sunday that they have fired GM Marc Bergevin, assistant GM Trevor Timmins and senior vice president for public affairs and communications Paul Wilson. Assistant GM Scott Mellanby formally announced his resignation after not being given the newly vacant General Manager role.

Canadiens owner Geoff Molson released a statement about the shocking news:

“On behalf of myself and the organization, I wish to thank Marc Bergevin, Trevor Timmins, and Paul Wilson for their passion and engagement towards our Club over the last years. Their relentless work allowed our fans to experience many memorable moments, including last summer’s playoff run that culminated with the Stanley Cup Final. We wish them all the success they deserve in the pursuit of their careers. I think, however, that the time has come for a leadership change within our hockey operations department that will bring a new vision and should allow our fans and partners to continue cheering for a championship team.”  

Shortly after, the team announced that they have hired former New York Rangers executive Jeff Gorton as their executive Vice President of Hockey Operations. He has since told the media he has not decided on the GM role yet, but confirmed that it will be someone who is French and/or French speaking.

The Canadiens, who are fresh off a Cinderella run to the Stanley Cup Final, sit fourth last in the entire league with a 6-15-2 record.