The process of finding the next general manager of the Montreal Canadiens has begun. 

TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun reports he's heard the club has begun reaching out to teams asking permission to speak to GM candidates. LeBrun believes they've done so with the likes of Roberto Luongo, Daniel Briere and Mathieu Darche, among others.  

Previous GM Marc Bergevin was fired on Nov. 28 after nine seasons with the franchise. Assistant GM Trevor Timmins and Paul Wilson, senior vice president of public affairs and communications, were also fired.

Former New York Rangers general manager Jeff Gorton was hired that same day as executive vice president of hockey operations. 

The Habs are 7-23-4 this season and sit last in the Atlantic Division, months removed from last season's Stanley Cup Final appearance.