As the Montreal Canadiens gear up for another promising season, the city is buzzing with optimism and lively debate. Fans and analysts alike are searching for the secret behind the team’s rapid turnaround, as surveys show confidence in the rebuild is at an all-time high.

But beneath the surface of this newfound hope lies a fascinating story—one that centers not just on talent or strategy, but on the dynamic partnership steering the franchise.

The names Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton have become synonymous with change at the Bell Centre, yet there is more to their collaboration than meets the eye.

Whispers of an unconventional management structure have begun to circulate, and a recent podcast appearance by Tony Marinaro has only intensified the speculation.

Are the Canadiens truly being run by two general managers? Is this rare formula the hidden engine accelerating Montreal’s resurgence?

With the spotlight now fixed on Hughes and Gorton, questions abound: How do their roles intersect, and what makes their approach so effective? Could this be the key to Montreal’s newfound credibility and hope? The answers may surprise you—and could redefine what it means to lead a storied franchise back to glory.

Photo credit: Tva Sports

It’s not surprising that every start of the season in Montreal brings its share of debates, but one topic is coming up more and more often in Montreal: the duo Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton.

Canadiens fans say they are enthusiastic, and several recent surveys show that they see the rebuild as ahead of schedule. In my opinion, I won’t say it’s finished, but very close to it!

The optimism reigning at the Bell Centre is therefore directly tied to the combined work of these two men.

And now Tony Marinaro, invited on the podcast La Poche Bleue, poured fuel on the fire with a statement that leaves no one indifferent.

The Hughes-Gorton duo seen as two general managers

Marinaro dropped a line that sums up the opinion of many:

“The Canadiens have two general managers.”

I completely agree with Marinaro.

According to him, Hughes and Gorton are not simply collaborating, they are truly sharing responsibilities as if they were holding the same position together. It’s a rare formula in the NHL, but one that seems to be paying off in Montreal.

He added:

“It’s probably Geoff Molson’s best decision. He hit a home run with those two guys.”

As reported by DansLesCoulisses, this view reflects what several observers are already noticing: with Gorton bringing vast experience and Hughes excelling in negotiations and relationships, the Canadiens benefit from a balance that many organizations would love to have.

For many, this two-headed management is even the foundation of the team’s resurgence, to the point where some consider that the real rebuild is already behind them.

In my eyes, I also believe that this duo is what is restoring credibility and hope to the Canadiens after several difficult year..