Montreal Canadiens GM Search: Vincent Damphousse Pulls out

Vincent Damphousse has pulled himself out of the running to be the new general manager of the Montreal Canadiens. (h/t The Globe and Mail)

Many speculated, myself included, that Damphousse was one of the front runners for the job based on his close relationship with Serge Savard. With Damphousse out of the picture, attention has obviously shifted to a number of other candidates.

TSN hockey insider Pierre LeBrun said yesterday that the Canadiens have contacted player agent Pat Brisson, and Chicago Blackhawks assistant GM Marc Bergevin. Gagnon later added current Tampa Bay Lightning assistant GM Julien Brisebois and Maple Leafs assistant GM Claude Loiselle to that list.

Of those names, Pat Brisson seems the most unlikely to get the job. With high profile clients like Sidney Crosby and John Tavares, among many others, Brisson will likely have to take on a lot more pressure and work for less pay if he were to become GM of the Habs.

Marc Bergevin is the most attractive candidate from that list, having worked under Dale Tallon and the Bowmans in Chicago. Prior to being the number two man for the Hawks, Bergevin worked as a scout and then as director of player personnel.

For more on the Montreal sports scene, go to The Montreal Sports Report.