I have been critical of Montreal Canadiens owner Geoff Molson over the last few weeks, and perhaps even longer… literally as recently as 21 hours ago. I also consider myself a realist, and I need to react to what’s in front of me.
As clumsy as the execution may have been, Molson’s hiring of Jeff Gorton as executive vice president of hockey operations was a fascinating and inspired way to make sure the best hockey executive on the market was also employable by the Canadiens regardless of language.
It’s hard to say exactly what changed since Molson last said he didn’t need anyone besides the general manager reporting to him, but it’s easy to guess even before he speaks to the media later Monday morning.