The Montreal Canadiens are making headlines once again, but this time, the spotlight isn’t just on the ice. In a whirlwind week packed with major organizational moves, a surprising shift in the team’s leadership structure has emerged—one that could redefine the future of the franchise.

As fans gear up for the highly anticipated season opener against the Seattle Kraken, a new development behind the scenes is quietly sending shockwaves through the hockey world.

Just moments after the announcement of contract extensions for key figures Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton, another piece of information surfaced that few saw coming. The Canadiens have made a strategic adjustment to their management hierarchy, hinting at a bold new direction. What exactly has changed, and why now?

The answer isn’t as simple as it seems, and insiders are already buzzing about the potential impact on the team’s long-term vision.

With speculation mounting and excitement building, one thing is clear: Montreal’s front office is far from finished making moves. But what does this mean for the club’s future—and for the passionate fanbase watching every step? Dive deeper to uncover the full story behind this game-changing decision and what it could mean for the Tricolore’s quest for greatness.

Geoff Molson and Jeff Gorton

Photo credit: All Habs / NHL

The Montreal Canadiens continue their string of major decisions this week, with a new development on the management side.

Just minutes after the official confirmation of contract extensions for Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton, another important piece of information has emerged.

This time, Gorton’s role has been changed by the Habs.

According to Nicolas Cloutier of TVA Sports, Gorton will no longer be vice president but is now president of hockey operations. An important distinction that confirms his growing place within the Tricolore’s hierarchy.

“Slight modification to Jeff Gorton’s position, who moves from vice-president to president of hockey operations.”

– Nicolas Cloutier


In my opinion, this is an excellent decision by the Canadiens.

I must admit that I was a bit afraid of seeing Jeff Gorton one day leave to become a general manager elsewhere in the NHL.

I’m convinced he already draws attention from several teams and would make an excellent candidate.

A rethought structure within the Montreal Canadiens

With Kent Hughes still in place as general manager, and now Jeff Gorton promoted to the top of hockey operations, the Canadiens ensure they have a solid long-term plan.

Here’s what Martin St-Louis had to say about Hughes and Gorton:

“If you’re going to be direct and honest, and we value that piece and we feel it’s the most important thing, I think it’s got to go from top down. You can’t just skip levels just because of positions, and I think they’ve embodied that (with) the way they treat everybody-not just the players, the security people in the building, everybody. It’s real, and it’s easier to build a good culture when you have good people. I wouldn’t have taken this job if I didn’t think that Gorts and Kent are great people, so it’s easier to move along and get there quicker when you have consistency in behaviour.”

And let’s be honest.. this announcement comes at the perfect time, just a few hours before the highly anticipated season opener against the Seattle Kraken.