Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

'The Canadiens are ready to take care of Jeff Gorton'

Originally posted on Dose.ca | Last updated May 23, 2025 2:57 PM ET

The New York Islanders think highly of Jeff Gorton. How high? To the point where the club wanted to lure him to town by giving him the keys to hockey operations.

They wanted to make him president of hockey operations (which is pretty much his role in Montreal, even though he’s called VP), but they also wanted to give him the title of GM.

The Canadiens said no… just as they said no to the Blue Jackets in 2024.

And there’s every reason to believe that it wasn’t to Jeff Gorton’s dismay. The Habs VP doesn’t really seem to want to leave, as he runs the show in Montreal.

He seems to work well with Geoff Molson, Kent Hughes, Martin St-Louis and his other colleagues. Plus, he’s an important piece of the puzzle in a rebuilding process.

Why would he want to leave when the sun is shining on the ice?

He seems to like it here in Montreal in a leading role, and the Canadiens are counting on him. That’s why I’m not surprised that Elliotte Friedman, in the most recent episode of the 32 Thoughts podcast, had this to say:

The Canadiens are ready to take care of Jeff Gorton. – Elliotte Friedman

In fact, it’s not surprising.

Why isn’t it? Because the Habs often say that Gorton is in town to stay, and because he’s doing a good job. And when the competition is lurking around your man, you have to make sure you keep him.

In the case of Gorton, whose original contract is due to expire, it’s safe to assume that he has two years left on his deal. “Taking care of him could mean a lucrative contract extension.

And the same goes for Kent Hughes, for that matter.

Is it time for the Canadiens to think about contract extensions for Jeff Gorton and Kent Hughes? @MolsonExportCa pic.twitter.com/ce4jcXAXZS

– La Poche Bleue (@lapochebleue) April 13, 2025

The Canadiens are fortunate to have the leaders they want , not the leaders they can have. And that’s a pretty important aspect, let’s face it.

The Islanders have some good candidates on their hands, but Ken Holland and Jeff Gorton have said no to the New York club. And I’m not saying that to diminish the candidacy of the Mathieu Darche and Marc Bergevin of this world, because they are good candidates.

In fact, the Islanders may soon be announcing a GM hire. The club could well have a coach, appoint a GM and then choose a president. Working backwards, you say?

But then again. If it’s Marc Bergevin and Brendan Shanahan, maybe Patrick Roy won’t really get a chance to stay on and someone else will be chosen. #Rivalries

Brendan Shanahan going from clotheslining Patrick Roy to being his GM would be an incredible twist. https://t.co/VdaYy8deHB pic.twitter.com/8gyk4jOmGk

– Ryan Hana (@RyanHanaWWP) May 22, 2025

Note that I’m throwing my hat into the universe here: if Bergevin were to take the job in New York, would you be completely surprised to see Luke Richardson land with the Islanders?

Let’s not forget that if Richardson spoke French, Bergevin might have given him his first chance in Montreal…