Written by Habsterix, AllHabs.net
The 2011-2012 season has been a weird one to say the least. Controversial contract signatures, injuries to key players, underperforming team, disgruntled players and coaches, firing of assistant and head coach, language controversy, trade in mid-game, fights amongst teammates and coaches, rumours of a GM not making the decisions and former top scorer having been asked (or not) to wave his no-trade clause are just a few oddities which helped side track this once proud franchise. Heck, they couldn’t even be true sellers at the deadline, hanging on to injured Mathieu Darche and Travis Moen, while being unable to find a taker for Chris Campoli!
PENTICTON, BC. — With the team sitting dead last in the Eastern Conference and 27th overall in the NHL at the time of writing this article, no one in their right mind would disagree that the Canadiens are in dire need of change and that, at just about every level possible. It was announced that Randy Cunneyworth was appointed head coach on an interim basis and with the uproar from some fans and media wanting a bilingual coach, it is safe to say that there will be some new blood behind the bench at the end of the season.
With everything that has happened this season, from the way the team performed on the ice to the missed opportunities at the deadline in spite of being one of the only true sellers, one would think that it’s only a matter of time before the team announces a new General Manager. Not often have we witnessed so many classless moves by an organisation once known for its high standards of class and respect. I’ve been a fan for 4 decades and never have I seen that much lack of direction, not even in 1995 when Réjean Houle and Mario Tremblay took over.
Team owner and President Geoff Molson must stop the bleeding and the sooner he does that, the better. Put someone in position on an interim basis, whether it’s good friend Serge Savard or even Bob Gainey, but do it now. This ship needs a firm hand to get the fans believing that it’s not on course for the iceberg, that it will not suffer the same fate as the Titanic. This will allow finding a suitable and permanent replacement this spring.
I was listening to Jacques Demers saying that this organisation needs stability in order to regain its pride. He was talking about the fact that it’s a privilege to wear this uniform, to manage or coach it. Demers pointed out that Michel Therrien, in his opinion, was doing a great job but was fired. He said that Guy Carbonneau, less than a year after a 104 points season, was suddenly “not good enough”. And I found myself agreeing with him. This team needs to find the right candidates and stick with them for more than two years.
Several names have been discussed and I won’t go over the list, as most if not all come with positive and negative baggage. The one name that I would see above any others though is a man with tons of experience, someone who is still involved in the NHL and someone who has the respect of everyone in hockey: Pierre Lacroix. And guess what, he’s bilingual!
The 63-year-old Lacroix was the General Manager of the Quebec Nordiques and of the Colorado Avalanche from 1994 to 2006 and he is now the President of the Avalanche. He is the GM who brought Patrick Roy (ouch), Ray Bourque and Rob Blake to Colorado. He’s not afraid to pull the trigger when he sees value. Would he consider becoming the GM in Montreal? There is no way for us to know the answer to that question unless the Habs ask the Avalanche permission to talk to him. Would he consider coming back to Quebec, closer to his family, raising up to the challenge of bringing back on its feet the most storied franchise in pro-hockey? Something tells me that it’s something that he’d consider.
I can’t help but think of a possible combination of experience and youth, from the top down. A young owner in Geoff Molson, an experienced quality GM in Pierre Lacroix, with possibly a young head coach in Patrick Roy and perhaps even a couple of experienced assistant coaches helping him out, one being Bob Hartley… It would not only take the boredom away, but would bring a much needed mixture of character and competence into this once proud franchise.
En français: Le CHemin de Lacroix avec St-Patrick