Canadiens’ hockey boss has ‘no concern’ about GM’s trip to Russia
Montreal Canadiens Front Office Members Travel to Russia for Scouting Trip
The Montreal Canadiens’ executive vice-president of hockey operations, Jeff Gorton, has stated that he has “no concern” about members of the team’s front office traveling to Russia amidst the country’s invasion of Ukraine.
General manager Kent Hughes, scout Nick Bobrov, and special adviser Vincent Lecavalier have raised eyebrows by flying overseas this week to visit first-round draft pick Ivan Demidov of SKA Saint Petersburg in Russia’s Kontinental Hockey League.
Gorton addressed the situation to reporters in Detroit, where the Canadiens are scheduled to play the Red Wings on Friday, emphasizing that the trip is solely for scouting purposes.
“We have prospects all over the world, and basically, if we draft you or we sign you, you’re in our family and we’re going to go see you and watch you play,” Gorton explained. “We’re going to monitor you and let you know how we feel about your play. That’s what this is. This is a scouting trip that Kent’s on.”
It is worth noting that Russian and Belarusian teams have been banned by the International Ice Hockey Federation from events at all levels through at least the 2024-25 calendar due to the ongoing war. Additionally, the NHL has excluded Russia from this winter’s 4 Nations Face-Off tournament, despite the nation’s rich history as a hockey powerhouse.
When questioned about the trip to Russia, the league directed inquiries back to the Canadiens for comment.
The Canadian government advises against all travel to Russia “due to the impacts of the armed conflict with Ukraine and the risk of terrorism.”
Gorton reassured the media by stating, “It’s a short trip, he’ll be back soon. A chance for [Hughes] to see more than one player over there that’s ours. We’re not concerned at all.”
