Gainey steps down as Habs GM
Written by on February 8th, 2010 in Latest News.
Bob Gainey is stepping down as vice-president and general manager of the Montreal Canadians. (Ryan Remiorz/Canadian Press)
Bob Gainey announced Monday that he is stepping down as vice-president and general manager of the Montreal Canadiens.
Assistant GM Pierre Gauthier will take over responsibilities on an interim basis. Gainey will stay on as a consultant to Gauthier.
Gainey, a former Canadien, started his managerial career within the Minnesota North Stars/Dallas Stars organization as a head coach and eventually took over as general manager.
In May 2003, Gainey returned to the Canadiens as vice-president and general manager.
Over his five seasons (241-176-46-7), Montreal made the playoffs four times.
But, the team failed to advance past the second round during his tenure as GM.
In 2007-08, Gainey’s best season as GM, the Canadiens captured both the Northeast Division and Eastern Conference titles.
Free agency moves questioned
But the team didn’t live up to high expectations in the post-season, barely defeating the eighth-seed Boston Bruins in seven games, then losing to the Philadelphia Flyers 4-1 in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
More recently, Gainey was questioned for his moves in free agency and on the trade market.
In the 2009 off-season, he was criticized for signing free agent forward Brian Gionta to a five-year, $25 US million contract and the eight-player deal that saw Scott Gomez and his salary of more than $7 million US land in Montreal.
During the current season, the Habs GM has taken considerable heat for his management of the Canadiens’ goaltending situation.
At the 2005 NHL entry draft, he selected Carey Price fifth overall, expecting the young backstop to be the next Patrick Roy.
But Price has struggled with discipline and consistency, giving way to backup Jaroslav Halak.
With two young and valuable goaltenders, Gainey continued to lean toward Price, even though his counterpart proved to be more consistent. The choice has drawn the ire of Canadiens fans throughout the season.
How he did
A look at the Canadiens’ record under Bob Gainey
*After 60 games
