Former Quebec goalie gave us some juicy info about Jeff Gorton
Pascal Leclaire, former NHL goaltender, had some inside information to share about the Montreal Canadiens' new Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations, Jeff Gorton.
Leclaire does not know Gorton personally, but he got the information from his former teammate Rick Nash, whom he worked with in Columbus. Recall that Nash played with the New York Rangers between 2012 and 2018. He knows Jeff Gorton very well.
Nash reportedly confirmed to Leclaire what Gorton said at his media availability. He is close with his players.
"Gorton was saying in the press conference that he likes to be close to the players and listen to them. That's what Nash told me. He was really well liked in the locker room. All the players were able to talk to him, even though he looks cold on the surface. He's a good guy."
Leclaire took the opportunity to praise Gorton's poise in front of the Montreal media. He seemed very confident and in control of the Montreal Canadiens.
"There is a lot of talk about the next general manager of the Canadiens being a puppet. On the opposite. I liked the way he talked about it. He doesn't sound like a man who wants the spotlight. It's going to be interesting to hear what his choice is."
"I thought he was confident. That bodes well. He doesn't seem intimidated."�
Basically, Leclaire strongly believes that Gorton will choose a general manager who can be his complement and not a French-speaking puppet. Based on Nash's comments, it is hard to believe that Gorton will abuse his current experience and power to impinge on the next general manager, who may have very little experience.
