8:09 pm: The Canadiens have released a statement, confirming that Mellanby has resigned. The team thanks Mellanby for his work but says they have no further comment at this time.
6:49 pm: As originally reported by The Athletic’s Michael Russo, it appears Scott Mellanby will be resigning from his role as an assistant general manager for the Montreal Canadiens.
It’s one of the multiple reports surrounding the state of Montreal’s front office on Saturday night. Minutes before Russo’s report, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported that the Canadiens are requesting permission from the New York Rangers to speak with former general manager Jeff Gorton about a role within the organization. While nothing is confirmed, it’s rather logical to believe that they view him as a potential replacement for Mellanby.
Friedman says in his report that the team isn’t inquiring about Gorton with the intention of hiring him as general manager. Current boss Marc Bergevin is in the final season of his contract, and now TSN’s Chris Johnston reports that the “widely held expectation inside the industry” is that the Habs will be hiring a French-speaking general manager to replace Bergevin. While Bergevin’s future with the team is still technically undecided, it’s becoming increasingly apparent that he won’t be back with the team after this season.
Mellanby likely won’t have any issue finding work elsewhere. He’s long been desired by other teams for roles, but Mellanby has opted to stay with the Canadiens when faced with the choice. A veteran of nearly 1,500 NHL games, the 55-year-old Mellanby has been with Montreal since the beginning of Bergevin’s tenure in 2012-13. He’s been the assistant general manager for the past eight of his ten seasons in Montreal.
The Canadiens are just 5-15-2, and their .273 points percentage is third-last in the league.
Yeah, must be Melanby’s fault…didn’t realize he was in charge of draft and the hiring of the worst coach in the NHL
Smart guy jumping off that sinking ship. Go get a job elsewhere after taking a break I would guess.
From my understanding is mellanby stuck around cuz he thought he would be inline for a promotion. But was told this week that hes not being considered or interviewed for the GM role.. Which means that Molson again is limiting his options based on language… This is why the habs will go no where as long as molson is in charge.
If I were Gorton I would turn it down. I’m sure he’ll be considered this summer for the Blackhawks GM position or even Anaheim. I imagine a few other GMs may be jobless by seasons end (or even before that) so he may even have an opportunity in cities like Vancouver, Dallas or Winnipeg.
“The Rat” did leave the sinking ship. Good on him! Hope he finds something better…*anything* better…
Why do you have to hire a French speaking GM?? How about a Bilingual GM heck even how about the best GM AVAILABLE??
Because this is Montreal. If you can’t give a press conference in colloquial, unaccented French, you might as well be wearing a T-shirt saying “Je m’en tabernak les Habitants.”
c’est un peu d’une problème si ç’est le plus important pour “Les Habitants”, non?
I find that Hippocrate. Won’t hire the best Person for the job. I ve been a fan since 1977. I understand what your saying. But come on it is 2021, not 1972. There are Quebec players, coaches and GM’s all over sports. But Montreal won’t change?? Hire the best guy for the job already. I’m sure they can learn French or have an interpreter. Times have been changing, but just not in Quebec.. it ain’t Right.
Does Stan Bowman speak French?
Really? After what just went down in Chicago?
Eh, Bowman was born in Montreal and lived there until he was 7 or thereabouts.
Have no idea how Trevor Timmons keeps his job. Really bad draft record.
Louis Leblanc….Jarrod Tinordi….Michael McCarron.
Exactly
Been saying this for years.
Agreed. I’ve been saying this for about 10-years. Worst pro scout in hockey. I have no idea how he got the job in the first place or how he’s kept it so long. Look at the Habs roster composition and they’ve been built through trades and free agency unlike most successful teams that build through the draft.
They are making a mistake moving away from Marc.
Chicago Anaheim Dallas Buffalo.
I would run away too. Melanby will find a job as soon as he decides he needs it.
Between the Mailoux thing and the possibility of their current GM knowing about the Blackhawks thing.. Surprised he stayed this long..
All this crap about hiring a French speaking GM. I don’t think Scotty Bowman spoke French and that turned out pretty well.
Melanby’s departure is a career decision. He is tied to Bergevin’s hip and Bergevin is about to be let go. Talks between Molson and Melanby were to explore whether a place could be made for him on the new org chart that could satisfy his career aspirations while meeting an organizational need. Talks were unsuccessful so Melanby decided to resign rather than go through an evaluation process with a new boss, a new GM.