Rene Angélil, husband and manager of Céline Dion, doesn't believe the Canadiens of today are very representative of the club's history, and suggests that the energy about the team hasn't been the same since they last won the Stanley Cup in 1993. Angélil and Pierre Karl Péladeau of Québecor World Media, are determined to get their hands on the Canadiens, and in their words, "Improve the level of the team, and re-enthuse the pride of all Quebecers in the Montreal Canadiens,"
here.
They won't have to wait more than a few days to find out if their bid will be accepted. Angélil and Péledeau are joined by la Caisse de Depot, and the FTQ (le Fonds de solidarité de la Fédération des travailleurs du Québec) who recently pledged financial support to Québecor's cause despite being Péledeau's greatest opposition for the last decade, and in light of the fact that Québecor is currently locking out employs at le Journal de Montréal, and le Journal de Quebec; replacing their writers with "scabs".
While some suggest a return to the Canadiens roots will guarantee them success, the concept of nationalizing the team in an era of hockey where 30 clubs vie for a chance at Lord Stanley (on even footing thanks to the salary cap) in an NHL that is more international than ever, suggests the plans are to administer the team in conjunction with a political discourse that has no place in hockey.
In other words, if you were one of the very few who felt it was essential that Saku Koivu speak French as captain of the Canadiens, you should have no issue with whatever changes Angélil, Péladeau and Co. plan on bringing to the team should they get their hands on it. And by get their hands on it, I mean it's quite clear they'd like to sink their arms into it-- at least elbow deep. If George Gillett is a "hands-off" owner, Angelil and Péladeau might be considered the biggest meddlers in the rich history of a franchise they feel has lost it's mystique.
Remember when it was free to watch a Canadiens game on RDS...The Ceo of Québecor will be very glad to create a "Leafs TV"-type venue, so that you can now pay to watch the Canadiens. "The Canadiens are an anchor; they'd be a determining factor in drawing interest to the rest of our programming," says Péladeau of his stake in this acquisition.
As for the hockey operations of the team, one can easily imagine drastic changes being implemented, almost immediately. Judging by the comments Péladeau made regarding Bob Gainey's quick trigger on the hire of Jacques Martin, and Gainey's failure to consult with Mr. Péladeau regarding his decision, (though he was reassured once a couple of people told him Martin is a good coach) you can see how much he knows of a hockey world he intends to make executive decisions in.
Honestly, just cue Darth Vader's music...
Let's hope the 'force' is with Molson, or Bronfman, or that American group led by Montrealer Graeme Roustan...or Gillett!
Montreal Canadiens Blogger • 
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