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Troubled Ice: Montreal Canadiens Face Growing Scrutiny Over Ownership Decisions… read more…

By Sports Desk | June 6, 2025

The Montreal Canadiens, the most decorated franchise in NHL history with 24 Stanley Cups, find themselves facing increasing scrutiny—not for their on-ice performance alone, but for what many fans and insiders perceive as flawed leadership at the very top. Once revered as the “gold standard” of hockey excellence, the Canadiens have struggled to return to prominence, and critics are now focusing on the club’s ownership and executive structure as key contributors to its prolonged mediocrity.

At the center of the debate is Geoff Molson, President, CEO, and a member of the ownership group Groupe CH. While Molson is widely respected in the Montreal business community and credited for preserving the franchise’s financial health and cultural legacy, many are now questioning his hockey acumen and decision-making over the past decade. The Canadiens’ failure to build sustained success, especially after their surprise Stanley Cup Final run in 2021, has put Molson’s vision under the microscope.

A Franchise in Rebuild Limbo

Since the highs of 2021, where a gritty Canadiens squad shocked the hockey world by reaching the Stanley Cup Final, the organization has failed to replicate any significant success. In fact, they’ve missed the playoffs each season since. Rebuilding has become the organizational mantra, but even that appears to lack coherence.

Under Molson’s leadership, the hiring of Jeff Gorton as Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations and Kent Hughes, a former player agent, as General Manager in 2022 was seen as a gamble. Though they brought a modern outlook to team development and emphasized analytics, neither had prior front-office experience managing an NHL team.

Three seasons later, the Canadiens are still mired near the bottom of the Eastern Conference, and questions have surfaced regarding the true effectiveness of the rebuild. Critics argue that ownership prioritized optics and market appeal over a hard-nosed, results-driven strategy.

Loyalty or Complacency?

One of the most repeated criticisms of Geoff Molson is his overwhelming loyalty to personnel, even when results are lacking. Fans and analysts alike have pointed to a pattern of extended grace periods for underperforming coaches, general managers, and executives. This slow reaction to failure has caused frustration in one of hockey’s most passionate markets.

The decision to hire Martin St. Louis, a Hall of Fame player but a coaching novice, as head coach is a prime example. While St. Louis has garnered praise for his communication skills and ability to connect with young players like Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield, some observers believe his appointment was more symbolic than strategic. His limited coaching background raised eyebrows, and though he has grown into the role, questions remain whether he’s the right man to lead a championship-caliber team.

The Cost of Tradition

The Canadiens are deeply rooted in tradition. That history is part of what makes the franchise special, but it can also be a hindrance. Molson’s tenure has often leaned heavily on preserving legacy rather than innovating for future success. The team’s front office has long been dominated by former players, many with minimal modern management experience. While sentimentality can boost morale and maintain a strong team identity, it can also delay progress.

Montreal remains one of the most conservative franchises when it comes to change. Whether it’s sticking with bilingual coaching requirements, relying on legacy hires, or avoiding bold trades and moves in free agency, the team often appears restrained—a reflection of ownership’s risk-averse nature.

Fan Frustration Reaching a Boil

Now entering what feels like the third consecutive “transition year,” Canadiens fans are growing increasingly vocal. Sports radio in Quebec has become a hotbed of criticism. Callers question the overall plan, if there is one, and demand clarity from ownership. Many feel the franchise is stuck in neutral while rivals in the Atlantic Division surge ahead with aggressive rebuilds and savvy management.

Online fan forums and social media also reflect discontent. Season ticket holders have voiced disappointment in the lack of competitiveness, and while the Bell Centre continues to sell out, the mood in the stands is increasingly cynical.

What the Future Holds

The Canadiens do have bright spots. Captain Nick Suzuki, sniper Cole Caufield, and rising star Juraj Slafkovský are all under 25 and continue to develop. The team also holds several strong draft picks and promising prospects. But without a clear direction and competent leadership, there is growing concern that this young core could be squandered.

Ultimately, the responsibility falls to Geoff Molson. Fans aren’t just demanding wins—they’re demanding vision, urgency, and accountability. If he hopes to restore the franchise to its former glory, he may need to step back and let proven hockey minds take full control.

Because in a city like Montreal, history alone doesn’t buy patience.