Geoff Molson Comments Pierre Gauthier Firing - Press Conference Notes

Well, if you didn't hear it, Habs owner, Geoff Molson, just finished his press conference discussing the firing of Pierre Gauthier as GM.

And man did he ever hit it out of the park. Molson said all the right things while truly showing the he cares. This press conference comes full circle from his comments when he took over the team, showing and stating that he is and was a fan.

Here's a quick, point form, break down of what Molson had to say:

-We play in the best hockey market in the world
-Fans want and deserve a winning team.
-Ownership will accept nothing less than a winning culture in the organization.
-Likes core of team
-Injuries decimated team this year, but this is not an excuse
-Over next month will deal with contracts and prep for draft. (Sounds like Price and Subban talks will start before WHC.)
-Molson says in a mutual decision Bob Gainey no longer with the club as an advisor
-Serge Savard will help Molson find a new GM
-Molson: "...this organization must set its sights on competing for the games ultimate prize, every season. And no lesser standard should be accepted. Our fans and our tradition demand nothing less than this."
-Molson thanks fans for suggestions in email, twitter, etc.
-Attention will now be turned to hiring a new GM. "...Until the decision is made, the process and list of candidates will remain confidential."
-Molson: Decision to act now was a) when 100% sure the playoffs were out, the moment was right and b) acting now means they have 10 additional days more to find a new GM
-Molson: "...We'll narrow search down to best candidate, preference is to have someone who speaks French..."
-Molson said, several times, that the preference is for a GM that speaks French but being the best candidate is the priority.
-Molson: ..."when it comes to hockey decisions, I rely on hockey professionals. It is not my area of expertise."
-Molson: "...the last time I spoke to Patrick Roy was when his sweater was retired."
-Molson: Larry Carriere will be assistant GM/interim to search for a New GM, plan for the draft and prepare post-mortems, Pierre Groulx replacing him behind the bench for the next five games.

Here is video of his press conference, in English:


Great, great presser by the Habs owner. He has given Habs fans a reason to smile with only a few games remaining in this dismal season.

Moreover, he has given them something to look forward to.

So what do you think of the move and his presser? Also, who do you think will be the best candidate to take over as GM?

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Kamal is a freelance writer, Senior Writer/Editor-in-Chief of HabsAddict.com, Montreal Canadiens Blogger on Hockeybuzz.com and featured columnist on PowerScoutHockey.com. Kamal is also a regular contributor to the Sunday Shinny segment of The Franchise weekend morning show, on TSN Radio 990 (AM 990) every Sunday from 9 - 10 AM. Listen live at http://www.tsn.ca/montreal/

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