During the pre-game show on Hockey Night in Canada, insider Elliotte Friedman revealed that the Montreal Canadiens have received permission from the New York Rangers to speak to their former general manager Jeff Gorton.

Friedman didn't specify what position the Canadiens could be seeking Gorton for, but it wont be the general manager role, even though the team has been struggling and Marc Bergevin is in the final year of his contract. One possible role Gorton could be hired for in Montreal is the President of Hockey Operations.

"More later tonight, but hearing Montreal has permission to talk to former NYR Jeff Gorton. Do not believe this is for the GM position, but another role. We will see how it develops." Friedman said.

Update: According to Michael Russo of The Athletic, Habs Assistant GM Scott Mellanby has resigned. This may be why Montreal is talking to Gorton.

Gorton, 53, has been working in front offices in the NHL since 1995 with the Boston Bruins and New York Rangers. A couple of his notable moves include acquiring Tuukka Rask from Toronto for Andrew Raycroft in 2005, and getting Adam Fox from Carolina in April 2019.

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