The candidates for the Montreal Canadiens' next general manager are beginning to emerge.
Sources told TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun on Tuesday that the Canadiens have reached out to Chicago Blackhawks assistant GM Marc Bergevin and player agent Pat Brisson to discuss their vacant post.
La Presse columnist and TSN contributor Francois Gagnon also reported Tuesday that the team has also contacted Tampa Bay Lightning assistant GM and former Canadiens executive Julien BriseBois, while TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger adds that the Toronto Maple Leafs are expected to grant permission to the Canadiens to speak to assistant GM Claude Loiselle.
BriseBois's Lightning are in Montreal on Wednesday for their game at the Bell Centre.
Former Canadiens captain Vincent Damphousse - whose name has been mentioned as a possible candidate - notified Molson on Wednesday that he was withdrawing his name from consideration.
"Obviously, being chosen as the Canadiens' General Manager would be a highly stimulating experience but at this time, my family remains my priority. Such a position would require extensive travel, and right now I wish to remain actively involved in my sons' lives", he explained in a statement released by RDS.
RDS added Wednesday that the Canadiens have contacted former Colorado Avalanche general manager Francois Giguere.
The Canadiens began their GM search after the firing of general manager Pierre Gauthier last Thursday, with owner and team president Geoff Molson and newly-appointed advisor Serge Savard leading the hiring process.
