Bob Gainey resigns as Canadiens GM

MONTREAL – Pierre Gauthier is the new general manager and executive vice-president of the Canadiens, team president Pierre Boivin announced on Monday. Boivin also announced that Bob Gainey tendered his resignation as general manager, but will remain as a special adviser with the team.

Boivin said that Gainey approached him during the Christmas holidays and said he would not be seeking a contract extension come June. That is when Boivin started the process of finding Gainey’s replacement, settling on Gauthier as the man to run the team.

"After a long and diffucult reflection, I decided to leave my post of general manager of the Canadiens," Gainey said. "I believe that the GM poistion requires a long-term vision and long-term commitment. At this point, I am not willing to make a commitment for 5 of 6 more years."

"I have done my best, now it is time for me to pass the torch."

Gainey, 56, was hired in 2003 as the 15th general manager in franchise history.

"In my heart, I will always be a Canadien. It has been a priviledge."

When asked what he planned to do in the immediate future, he said he had no plans, but quickly added: "I will watch the Olympics on HD television," then said "maybe I will play the piano."

Montreal is currently 28-26-6 and sits in sixth place in the Eastern Conference.

"It’s an honour for me to become general manager of the Canadiens," Gauthier, 57, said at the press conference. "But this day is not about me, it’s about the Montreal Canadiens and the future of the franchise. Our goal is the same as every other team: to win the Stanley Cup."

"As soon as we leave the room today, I am ready to roll up my sleeves and get the job done."

The Habs have posted a 241-176-46-7 record with four playoff appearances since Gainey’s hiring.

In 2007-08, the Canadiens went 47-25-10 and finished first in the Eastern Conference with 104 points. Montreal was then upended by the Philadelphia Flyers in a five-game conference semifinal series.

During his tenure with the club, Gainey also served as head coach for the second half of 2005-06 before handing the job to Guy Carbonneau following the season.

Gainey had a lengthy playing career with the Habs prior to his ascension into the front office, spending 16 years with the team and winning five Stanley Cup championships.

Following his time in the NHL, the 56-year-old became the head coach of the Minnesota North Stars in 1990-91, helping the team get to the Stanley Cup Finals. Serving as the head coach until 1996, when the team was located in Dallas, he was also the franchise’s general manager from 1992-2002 and guided the Stars to a 1999 Stanley Cup championship.

More to come …