Jeff Gorton makes major statement on the Canadiens’ trade deadline plans
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Hockey operations president Jeff Gorton has no intention of sitting on his hands ahead of the trade deadline, and he’s promising to be aggressive in order to improve the Montreal Canadiens.
Let’s be honest — the Canadiens are in an interesting position in the standings, but management wants to move on to the next stage. The rebuild is progressing, but Gorton’s aggressiveness could quickly change the look of the lineup.
The president of hockey operations knows the fans are expecting movement. With the salary cap offering a bit of flexibility, Kent Hughes and Gorton have the tools to maneuver.
Last year, management was relatively quiet, but the tone has changed this season. The organization appears ready to sacrifice certain assets to obtain immediate help and added toughness.
It’s pretty clear — Gorton feels the pressure of the Montreal market. Every decision between now and the end of February will be closely scrutinized across Montreal.
A wind of change is blowing through Montreal
“We’d like to be aggressive, and we will be, if need be.
Kent and I spend a lot of time analyzing that next thing, and we’re in a phase where whatever we do next is really important to get right. When you ask how we balance our long-term vision with not wasting the opportunity in front of us, it’s hard to answer if this is the time or when the time will be (to strike) because you really don’t know until something is presented to you. Kent’s really good at being really on top of what is out there, talking to managers a lot. He’s pretty thorough. I think our job is to be ready for whatever it is and when those decisions come, whether they come today or tomorrow or months down the road.”
– Jeff Gorton
Rumors will intensify around veterans who could be on the way out, but Gorton is mainly looking ahead. He wants players who fit Martin St-Louis’ system.
The situations of prospects and draft picks are being closely monitored. Gorton has proven in the past that he isn’t afraid to pull off major trades to transform a team.
The Canadiens being buyers instead of simply selling off assets would do wonders for team morale. Execution will have to be precise to avoid mortgaging the future.
A solid acquisition on defense or an offensive spark could change the dynamic in the locker room.
Between now and the weekend, the phone is likely to ring often in the offices at the Bell Centre. Gorton is in solution mode and doesn’t want to miss his shot.
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Jeff Gorton makes major statement on the Canadiens’ trade deadline plans
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