Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Press Release - Habs Hire Scott Mellanby as Director of Player Personnel

CANADIENS APPOINT SCOTT MELLANBY DIRECTOR OF PLAYER PERSONNEL

MONTREAL (May 28, 2012) – Montreal Canadiens executive vice president and general manager, Marc Bergevin, announced today the appointment of Scott Mellanby to the position of director of player personnel.

“We are extremely happy to have Scott Mellanby joining the Canadiens organization. Scott has an impressive background and a commanding knowledge of the league, having played for 21 seasons in the NHL before holding various management positions over the last four years. Scott is known for his character and his leadership, which made him a great team captain during six seasons with the Florida Panthers and the Atlanta Thrashers. He has extensive knowledge of the game, is well respected in the hockey circles and will become an important asset for our organization,” said Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin.

A native of Montreal, Scott Mellanby, enjoyed a successful 21-year career in the NHL with five different teams. Suiting up for 1,431 games in the National Hockey League, ranking him 23rd on the all-time list for most games played, he recorded 840 points (364 goals and 476 assists) and served 2,479 penalty minutes, also 23rd on the NHL all-time list. He played in 136 career playoff games, and totaled 53 points (24 goals, 29 assists).
Mellanby sparks a trend

Mellanby retired as an active player after the 2006-07 season. Following his playing career, Mellanby joined the Vancouver Canucks organization, working as special advisor to general manager Mike Gillies (2008-09) and as a professional scout (2009-10). On June 1, 2010 he returned to St. Louis to take on the position of assistant coach over the last two seasons (2010-11 and 2011-12).

“This was an easy decision for me. It’s an honor for me to get a chance to be a part of the Canadiens organization,” said Mellanby via conference call from St. Paul, MN. “I was born in Montreal and I grew up idolizing the Canadiens – Guy Lafleur in particular. It’s really a thrill for me to get this opportunity. Marc talked to [Blues GM] Doug [Armstrong] to get permission to talk to me and when he talked to me, it was automatic.”

Signed as an unrestricted free agent by Atlanta in July 2004, Mellanby would go on to play two seasons as the Thrashers team captain (2005-06 and 2006-07). Prior to joining the Thrashers, he played with the St. Louis Blues from 2001 to 2004. He reached the postseason in each of his four seasons in St. Louis, reaching the Western Conference Final in 2001. Mellanby spent seven seasons with the Florida Panthers, including the last four, from 1997 to 2001, as the Panthers’ captain, recording 157 goals and a total of 354 points. In 1996 he was selected to play in the NHL All-Star Game before leading his team to the Stanley Cup Final against the Colorado Avalanche that same year. Mellanby also donned the Oilers jersey from 1991 to 1993 playing 149 games and recording 82 points. Drafted in the second round, 27th overall, by the Philadelphia Flyers in 1984, Mellanby earned a spot on the Flyers roster in 1986-87 and would go on to spend five seasons in Philadelphia, where he registered 227 points in 353 career regular season games.

Now 45, Scott Mellanby played his junior hockey with Don Mills, in the Metro Toronto Hockey League, and the Henry Carr Crusaders of the Ontario Jr. B League before joining the Wisconsin University Badgers (WCHA) in 1984-1985. On the international level, he helped Canada capture the silver medal at the 1986 World Junior Championships, notching nine points (5 goals, 4 assists) in seven games.

Scott Mellanby and his wife Sue have three children, sons Carter and Nicholas and daughter Courtney.

Harltey, Mellanby, Finals, Brodeur and More

George Bridges/KRT
Good morning Hab fans.

After last week's addition of Rick Dudley and extension of Larry Carrière, the Montreal Canadiens front office continues being fleshed out, with Montreal native Scott Mellanby being named as Director of Player Personnel yesterday.

Mellanby spent the last two seasons as an assistant coach with the St. Louis Blues. He also played in 1431 NHL contests, collecting 840 points in the process.

On the coaching front, our own Fred Poulin reports that Bob Hartley ison the verge of being named the Montreal Canadiens next head coach. And, to Fred's great credit, he was even cited by PuckDaddy late yesterday.

Thus far, how do you feel about how the Habs' front office and coaching staff seem to be shaping up?

Habs News

HabsAddict.com - Bob Hartley to be named the Montreal Canadiens’ next coach?

La Presse - Le prochain entraîneur du CH? Patience...

La Presse - Marc Bergevin ajoute Scott Mellanby à son personnel

PuckDaddy - Bob Hartley as next Montreal Canadiens head coach picks up steam

Sports Illustrated - Report: Canadiens to hire Hartley as next coach

TSN - Canadiens name Mellanby director of player personnel

Hockey News

ESPN - Five players you'd like to see win

ESPN - Brodeur leaning towards returning next year

La Presse - De surprises en surprises...

TSN - McKenzie: Remember when Kings had interest in Kovalchuk?

TSN - Devils, Kings feature several links for Stanley Cup Final

USA Today - Sizing up the Stanley Cup Final

USA Today - Devils' Zajac reaches Stanley Cup Final after injury scare


(Photo by George Bridges / KRT) 

Monday, May 28, 2012

Bob Hartley to be named the Montreal Canadiens’ next coach?

Bob Hartley.
The Memorial Cup is over after the host team, the Shawinigan Cataractes, defeated Dale Hunter's London Knights 2-1 in overtime yesterday at Centre Bionest on Anton Zlobin's goal late in the first overtime period.

Now, according to a source, it is expected that the Montreal Canadiens will name Robert "Bob" Hartley as the team's next head coach. It is also expected that Eric Veilleux, the head coach of the Cataractes, will follow him to Montreal to become his assistant coach.

Three weeks ago, I mentioned Hartley as one of the team's top candidates to become the next head coach of the Habs.

Marc Bergervin, who was named the Canadiens' general manager at the beginning of May, has been meeting potential candidates in recent weeks. He has also been seen with owner Geoff Molson in Shawinigan over the past few days and his presence has helped fuel rumors regarding Hartley in the Canadian media. 

Two of the Habs' top prospects, Michael Bournival and Morgan Ellis, played for the Cataractes this season. Prospects Jarred Tinordi and Nathan Beaulieu were also playing in the tournament, for London Knights and Saint John Sea Dogs, respectively. 

Gerard Gallant, the Sea Dogs' head coach, was also rumored to be in the running for the head coach position, but he denied meeting Bergevin or any member of the organization.

Hartley worked as a special advisor to head coach Eric Veilleux during the Memorial Cup and he was often seen talking to members of the Montreal Canadiens organization throughout the tournament. Veilleux played nine years under Bob Hartley as a player in Laval, Cornwall and Hershey, and considers him as his top mentor. A preliminary contract drafted by the Canadiens legal affairs team has reportedly been given to Bob Hartley.

The Bleu Blanc Rouge's front office is slowly shaping up after the team announced the nomination of Rick Dudley as the team's assistant GM two days ago. Dudley had been working as an assistant to GM Brian Burke with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Dudley will be splitting duties with assistant GM Larry Carriere, who was given a contract extension. As part of the agreement, Dudley will not take part of the draft and will rather be involved in signing free agents and attending to internal matters.

Scott Mellanby has also just been named the team's Director of Player Personnel. 

The announcement will most likely be made on Tuesday, May 29th, before the start of the Stanley Cup final or at the beginning of June as Hartley needs to void his contract with the Zurich Lions before accepting the position with the Canadiens. He helped lead the Lions to the 2012 Swiss National League A championship.

Do you like the choice of Hartley as the Canadiens’ next head coach?


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(Photo via the Associated Press) 

Cataractes Take Memorial Cup, Junior Prospects, Kings-Devils and More

Michaël Bournival rend hommage à son entraîneur
Good morning Hab fans!

The Memorial Cup hosts, the Shawinigan Cataractes, are also the Memorial Cup Champions after a 2-1 overtime win against Dale Hunter's London Knights.

As a result, Habs' prospects Michael Bournival and Morgan Ellis can now stake claim to the most prestigious prize in junior hockey.

With an assist on the game winning goal, Michael Bournival vaulted into fifth in scoring with seven points in six games. Meanwhile, Morgan Ellis assisted on the first Shawinigan goal and was named the game's second star.

First-round selections Jarred Tinordi and Nathan Beaulieu were also part of the tournament.

Brendan Gallagher and Patrick Holland both had strong offensive seasons in the WHL.

With all of that in mind, has this year's performance by Canadiens' prospects made you feel optimistic about the upcoming season?

Habs and Hockey News

ESPN - Holiday weekend jam: 10 finals facts

HabsWorld.net - UFA Assessment: Travis Moen

La Presse - Les Cataractes champions!

La Presse - Une soirée survoltée

La Presse - Michaël Bournival rend hommage à son entraîneur

Sports Illustrated - Don’t crown the Kings prematurely

The Hockey News - 2012 NHL Stanley Cup final preview

TSN - Kings' Doughty shining with stellar playoff performances

TSN - DeBoer delivers Devils back to elite level in just one year

USA Today - How Kings, Devils stack up in five key areas

USA Today - Marty McSorley hopes Kings reverse his curse



(Photo by Sylvain Mayer / La Presse) 

Sunday, May 27, 2012

The next Habs coach, Doughty, Kings, Devils, Conn Smythe and more

Oh, the calm before the storm. That's certainly where things are in the Stanley Cup playoffs. With three more days off before the finals begin on Wednesday, the Kings and Devils have a little time to lick their wounds.

Although, for the Kings, I doubt there are that many. They are a well rested bunch, having played only 14 games so far en route to the finals.

Still, the build up to the finals is always exciting and, with the nice weather, you actually get to spend a little time outside.

Imagine that?

Hockey News

Habsworld.net - The Fans Choice: The next coach of the Habs should be...

TSN - FORMER OILERS STOLL, GREENE GRATEFUL FOR SECOND CHANCE AT CUP

TSN - RANGERS HAVE REASONS FOR OPTIMISM DESPITE LOSS TO DEVILS

TSN - YOUR CALL: WHO IS YOUR PICK FOR THE CONN SMYTHE TROPHY?

TSN - KINGS' DOUGHTY SHINING WITH STELLAR PLAYOFF PERFORMANCES

ESPN - Stanley Cup finals: Points to watch

ESPN - Kings: Top two lines fueling playoff run

Spector's Hockey - Latest on Coyotes, Capitals and Avalanche – May 26, 2012

(Photo: Bruce Bennett/Getty Images North America)

Saturday, May 26, 2012

Habs hire Dudley, Devils advance, Gagne, Final preview and more

It's over!

Well, the 2012 semi-finals are over. If you didn't see it, the New Jersey Devils defeated the Rangers in Game 6, last night.

It was yet another hard fought victory for the grinding Devils. You've got to hand it to the Rangers though, down 2-0 after one only to comeback and tie it up in the second.

The third solved nothing and it was overtime again where Jersey playoff standout, Adam Henrique, potted the series winner a few short minutes in.

And with that, the Devils are off to the finals versus a well primed and rest Kings squad. That should be one hell of a series! For what it's worth, I'm picking the Kings in 6. They just look unbeatable right now.

On that Habs front, GM Marc Bergevin made his first appointment, naming Rick Dudley as his assistant GM. You can read the full press release below, but suffice it to say that the Habs now have three all-world talent evaluators in their ranks (Bergevin, Dudley, and Timmins).

That can only bode well for the future of this franchise.

Habs News

HabsAddict.com - Press Release - Habs name Rick Dudley assistant GM

RDS - Rick Dudley épaulera Marc Bergevin

Hockey News

TSN - DEVILS BEAT RANGERS IN OT, ADVANCE TO STANLEY CUP FINAL

TSN - MCKENZIE: DEVILS' GRINDERS CONTINUE TO PLAY A PIVOTAL ROLE

TSN - CULLEN: HENRIQUE'S HEROICS SEND DEVILS TO STANLEY CUP FINAL

TSN - GAGNE ENJOYING KINGS' SUCCESS, RETURNS TO PRACTICE

TSN - BLUES CEO STEPPING DOWN FOLLOWING OWNERSHIP CHANGE

THN - 2012 NHL Stanley Cup final preview

THN - Broduer shows Lundqvist how to win in playoffs

(Photo: Jim McIsaac/Getty Images North America)

Friday, May 25, 2012

Press Release - Habs name Rick Dudley assistant GM

Rick Dudley named assistant general manager
Larry Carriere will receive a contract extension with the Canadiens.

MONTREAL (May 25, 2012) – Montreal Canadiens executive vice president and general manager, Marc Bergevin, announced today the appointment of Rick Dudley to the position of assistant general manager. The Canadiens also announced a contract extension for Larry Carrière to remain assistant general manager.

Dudley brings more than 40 years of experience in professional hockey, including the last two decades as a senior executive with various NHL organizations. Before joining the Canadiens, Dudley worked extensively in various managerial capacities with the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Atlanta Thrashers, the Chicago Blackhawks, the Florida Panthers, the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Ottawa Senators.

“Rick Dudley is a very knowledgeable and proficient hockey executive and we are pleased to welcome him in our organization in the position of assistant general manager. Rick has been actively involved at the management level in the NHL for many years and is one of the league’s most respected executives. An outstanding talent evaluator, he has extensive experience as a scout. The success he enjoyed at all levels throughout his career speaks volume of his expertise. We are thrilled to have both Rick and Larry Carrière as assistant general managers for several seasons to come,” said Bergevin.

Dudley, 63, held the title of Director, Player Personnel with the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2011-12. Prior to joining the Leafs, he was with the Atlanta Thrashers from 2009 to 2011, beginning as associate general manager before being promoted to general manager, holding that position until the franchise moved to Winnipeg. From 2004 to 2009, Dudley worked with the Chicago Blackhawks serving as the team’s assistant general manager for the last three seasons after starting off as hockey consultant. In Chicago, his work was conducive to the Hawks’ first Stanley Cup win in 48 years. Dudley previously served as the general manager of the Florida Panthers for two seasons from 2002 to 2004. From 1999 to 2002, he was the Tampa Bay Lightning’s general manager and played a significant role in building this team for the 2004 Stanley Cup win. Prior to joining the Lightning, he held the position of general manager of the Ottawa Senators in 1998-99, taking the team to the top of their division for the first time in franchise history.

A Toronto native, Rick Dudley spent four highly successful seasons with the IHL Detroit Vipers taking the team to the Turner Cup in 1997. Throughout his career as general manager, he has been to the finals eight times in three different leagues (IHL, AHL, ECHL) and has won four championships. Prior to embarking on a managerial career, Dudley spent seven seasons as a player in the NHL with the Buffalo Sabres and Winnipeg Jets, where he was one of only three players in the NHL to wear number 99. He also played 270 games in the World Hockey Association where he also tallied two consecutive 40-goal seasons.

Larry Carrière joined the Canadiens organization as assistant general manager on July 16, 2010. He served as an assistant coach by interim for part of the 2011-12 season before returning to his duties of assistant general manager before the end of the regular season. Larry Carrière brings more than 30 years of experience in professional hockey and held several front office positions with the Buffalo Sabres and the Washington Capitals organizations.