Bob Gainey Stepping Down As Canadiens General Manager?

The Montreal Canadiens have announced that they will be hosting a news conference later today at 4:00 PM. It is expected that President Pierre Bovin will address the Canadiens management team, which has many speculating that Canadiens general manager Bob Gainey will be fired.

The Canadiens currently sit sixth in the Eastern Conference standings with a 28-26-2 record.

Gainey has been oft criticized for his off-season moves, which included bringing in free agents Mike Cammalleri (5 years, $30 million) and Brain Gionta (5 years, $25 million), as well as his acquisition of Scott Gomez (and his bloated contract—5 years, $33.5 million) via trade from the New York Rangers.

Cammalleri has been solid for the Canadiens, leading the team in scoring with 26 goals and posting 48 points through 55 games (second on the team).  Gionta has been a disappointment, posting 29 points in 39 games, as has Gomez, who has just eight goals and 39 points through 56 games with the Canadiens this season.

Overall, Montreal owns the 27th ranked offense; hardly what ownership and management think the team is capable of.

Goaltending controversy, more rumors about player issues on and off the ice, and an inconsistent effort from his players, seem to be the most glaring issues in Montreal at the moment, with most of the blame pointed in Gainey’s direction.

It is unclear whether Gainey will step down as the Canadiens GM or if he will be fired. Either way, it appears as if Gainey is on his way out.

Tune in at 4:00 PM to get the skinny on Gainey’s future with the Canadiens.

For More Information on this event, check out TSN.

Until next time,

Peace!