Lightning throws a curve ball at Canadiens hours before tonight’s game

Fans in Montreal still have no clue who is in line to become the Canadiens’ next general manager, though some candidates appear to be in the lead to get the newly-vacant spot to work under new executive V.P. of hockey operations Jeff Gorton.

Mathieu Darche seems to be one of the leading candidates at the moment, though the Tampa Bay Lightning might fight to keep him as assistant GM to Julien BriseBois. This leads to the news that the Bolts have thrown a curve ball at the Canadiens ahead of tonight’s matchup in Montreal as Darche won’t be attending the game, per Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports. 

While it has been reported that the Lightning would give Darche permission to speak with the Canadiens about their open GM position, it sounds like it hasn’t or won’t take place today.

Players are focused on getting back on track and getting the win tonight in front of their fanbase, but you have to imagine that they are wondering what Gorton is up to and who will replaced Marc Bergevin in the front office to make changes ahead of the trade deadline. Sure, hockey is a business, but now the Canadiens feels like pawns waiting to be moved.

The Lightning is not bringing Darche on the trip to Montreal which might be surprising to players who have been keeping an eye on Darche and his possible promotion to GM at the head of the Canadiens.

Players better focused on the game and let the Lightning play mind games with only Gorton.