Bob Gainey Stepping Down as Habs GM
Montreal Canadiens GM Bob Gainey is stepping down, effective immediately. The Canadiens announced that Assistant GM Pierre Gauthier will take over the GM duties. Gainey will stay with the front office in an advisory role.
"I've done my best and now it's time for me to pass the torch," Gainey said on Monday. "I believe that the general manager position requires a long-term vision and a long-term commitment. At this point, I'm not prepared to make a commitment of four or five or six more years in this position.
"If I had to choose between leaving a little earlier, or a little later, I'd prefer (to go) earlier."
Gainey had been the Habs' GM since 2003 and the club made the playoffs in four of the five full seasons he led the front office. Under his guidance, the club tallied a 241-176-46-7 record and .569 winning percentage.
Their best season during that period came in 2007-08, when the team finished atop the Eastern Conference standings. but were eliminated in the second-round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
The Habs are 28-26-6 this season and currently sit sixth in the Eastern Conference.
"I'm leaving the team I love the most in the hands of the man I trust the most," said Gainey. "I look forward to assisting Pierre and the team in our pursuit of our 25th Stanley Cup."
Gauthier, 56, joined the Canadiens as director of pro scouting in 2003 and was named assistant general manager in 2006.
A native of Montreal, Gauthier has served as general manager of the Ottawa Senators (1995-98) and Anaheim Mighty Ducks (1998-2002). He also worked with current Canadiens head coach Jacques Martin during their days with the Senators and Quebec Nordiques.
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YukonSloMo wrote on Feb 9, 2010
Its a shame...Gainey built a Cup winner in Dallas...but in Montreal things weren't as easy. Perhaps it was the time, or the team, ownership, players, the media or even him...Bob was always a great Canadien. The one trade that was talked about might get some more mileage now that he is in the back seat...Vinnie! Whilst the summer signings were a bold stroke...many have questioned going so small. I still would like to see a package deal with Price and Gomez and whom ever else to get Vinnie. Now that Stamkos is the heir apparent in Tampa...Vinnie might come available...and lord knows Les Canadiens need a bonafide Francophone star...carloskie wrote on Feb 9, 2010
I'm not a Habs' fan but I guess I'm a Gainey fan since there's much about Gainey that I admire. I first noticed him on that good Pete's team in '73 along with Doug Jarvis, Colin Campbell, Stan Jonathan, Bob Neely et al. I have admired him ever since, even when Les Canadiens tormented the Leafs while he patrolled the wing. A great player, he transferred that ability to the management office which he also served well. His constant grace and well-articulated analyses will be missed. Good luck Bob, you deserve some.Topcat wrote on Feb 8, 2010
..about bloody time. Shoulda been gone last year. Now we stuck with Gomez (Sather still must be smiling in his sleep for that one) and Gionta and the huge contracts. It is prob the toughest job in hockey, but he really didnt get it done either. And now with Savard into the ears of the new admin, tic toc, tic toc, tic toc.... Wish him well,tho, he was a good hab and tried to be a good GM too, as an anglo at that, no mean feat in MTL.