Patrick Roy on Montreal Canadiens GM job: “What do they have to lose by trying me?”
Oh, Patrick Roy.
Working once again with the Quebec Ramparts of the QMJHL, Roy has expressed interest is taking on the role of the vacant Montreal Canadiens general manager spot.
“I’m sure I’m thinking, what have they got to lose by trying me?,” Roy told Le Journal de Quebec translated to English via Google Translate. “Since 1993, the club has been going in circles. What do they have to lose by giving me the chance to see what I can do with this club? At the same time, I understand the situation. The club is owned by Geoff Molson and he’s the one pulling the strings. He’s his team and at the end of the day I might not be the guy for him. I accept that. ”
The Canadiens swept house over the weekend with assistant general manager Scott Mellanby resigning Saturday, followed by the firing of general manager Marc Bergevin, his other assistant Trevor Timmins and public relations executive Paul Wilson.
It’s been 26 years since Roy left the Habs organization before joining the Colorado Avalanche in a trade, but he appears at the very least willing to hear about a reunion. But ever since, he’s continued to have loose connections with the franchise by way of media bits like this.
Since he retired in 2003, Roy has continued to be involved in hockey. He purchased the Ramparts in 1998 while still playing, and upon his retirement took over as the vice-president of hockey ops and general manager of the team. He served as head coach there between 2005 and 2013 before the Avalanche hired him in the same hockey ops role as well as naming him head coach.
Roy lasted only three seasons there and while they posted a respectable 130-92-24 record, they only played in seven playoff games. He was fired in 2016.
After two years, Roy returned to the Ramparts as general manager and head coach in 2018 — roles he still retains.
Roy also spoke to TVA Sports and Radio-Canada, where he had this to say.
“Would I be interested? Of course,” he said. “But, at the same time, I am aware that it is a process and that there are several very good candidates who will be in the running. But if I get a call, I’ll definitely listen.
“Decisions were made over the weekend, and if the phone rings, it will ring. Otherwise, we will continue to do what we do, it’s not more complicated than that.”
Zach Laing is the Nation Network’s news director and senior columnist. He can be followed on Twitter at @zjlaing, or reached by email at zach@oilersnation.com.