MONTREAL, QC — All Habs news for July 17, 2010
Oath of Citizenship
“I affirm that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, Queen of Canada, Her Heirs and Successors, and that I will faithfully observe the laws of Canada and fulfil my duties as a Canadian citizen.”
Those were the words repeated by Andrei Markov in Montreal on Friday along with 31 other new Canadian citizens.
“I’m happy to be here and proud to be a Canadian,” said Markov. But he added, “I’m never going to play for the Canadians (Team Canada), sorry.”
As reported here yesterday, Julien BriseBois has been appointed the Assistant General Manager of the Tampa Bay Lightning and General Manager of the Norfolk Admirals.
BriseBois will report directly to General Manager Steve Yzerman while handling all aspects of contract negotiation and salary arbitration.
“I think there’s a number of reasons why it’s exciting to be involved with the Tampa Bay Lightning,” said BriseBois. “This is an organization that not too long ago was a Stanley Cup winning team. I’m excited to be involved in this juncture and look forward to helping in any way I can.”
With the vacancy created by BriseBois’ departure, Larry Carriere was appointed by Pierre Gauthier as assistant general manager and director of player personnel. Carriere had been a pro scout for the Washington Capitals since 2004.
“We are extremely happy to announce the appointment of Larry Carriere as assistant general manager/player personnel. Larry brings with him an important background in the NHL in several key areas such as recruitment, player evaluation and player development. He will be a key contributor to our hockey management team”, said Gauthier.
Gauthier should be given credit for recognizing his own shortcomings and adding Carriere, someone with strong skills in player evaluation, which is not a strong suit for the Habs GM.
While Gauthier signalled a youth movement a few weeks ago in his post-free agency news conference, the Canadiens management team seems excluded from the program. While Gauthier, Carriere and Martin average 57 years old, the Lightning brass, including former Canadiens-staffers, is considerably younger at 39 years.
Carriere will also serve as general manager of the Hamilton Bulldogs. Now the search can begin in earnest for a new head coach of the baby Habs. Expect Martin Raymond to be at the front of that line.
In other Bulldogs news, Pat Hickey reports that Cedrick Desjardins has signed a one year two-way deal worth $550,000. Similar numbers are expected for a deal inked by Ryan Russell. Ryan’s twin brother Kris currently plays for the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Gregory Stewart will join Shawn Belle in Edmonton as he signed a one year contract with the Oilers. Mike Glumac has left the Bulldogs to play for Kassel Huskies of the German Deutsche Eishockey-Liga.
From the its-about-time-department, Canadiens’ coach Jacques Martin confirmed there will be a captain next season. Let the speculation begin!