Montreal Canadiens: Trevor Timmins, Mark Mowers & Donald Audette ink new contracts
Photo Courtesy of Bruce Bennett / Getty Images
By James Stephan (@J_Habs)
On August 17, 2012 The Montreal Canadiens announced that Trevor Timmins, Director of Amateur Scouting has signed a contract extension.
Upon reading the news a gust of wind had swept through the streets of Montreal; the collective sigh of relief of every Habs fan.
With Trevor Timmins at the helm, the Montreal Canadiens have drafted Andrei and Sergei Kostitsyn, Carey Price, Max Pacioretty, Ryan McDonagh, P.K. Subban, Brendan Gallagher, and most recently Sarnia Sting forward Alex Galchenyuk.
Timmins has always been revered by many for being one of the best at his profession, having the knack of finding NHL talent, making the most of his draft picks, and scouts are suggesting that this past June was his best draft yet. Canadiens’ GM Marc Bergevin and Trevor Timmins managed to draft several players that have been dubbed “steals” who were projected to go much higher, like Swedish forward Sebastian Collberg who was projected to go in the top 15, but was selected 33rd overall in the second round by the Montreal Canadiens.
While the length of the contract extension has yet to be revealed, many are simply thrilled to see Marc Bergevin locking up another “star” as Timmins deserves an immense amount of credit for their ever-growing prospect depth.
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The Montreal Canadiens have also agreed to terms with Mark Mowers and Donald Audette.
Mark Mowers a former NHL player, has been signed as a pro scout by the Montreal Canadiens.
Mowers’ last NHL appearance came as member of the Anaheim Ducks in 2008. Since then, he’s brought his services to Switzerland playing for Bern and Fribourg-Gotteron. Mowers’ new challenge will be pro scouting in the Eastern Conference.
Marc Bergevin has successfully addressed another team weakness as Montreal’s pro scouting has been their Achilles Heel, specifically not being able to land fair value in their trade negotiations.
Former Montreal Canadien Donald Audette has also been signed, as an Amateur Scout. His efforts will be focused on the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, accompanying Habs scout Serge Boisvert.
When Bergevin was hired, it was revealed that Montreal’s scouts in the QMJHL were scarce at best, as Boisvert was the only one assigned to the Q. The addition of Audette will allow Montreal to expand their reach throughout the Q and properly scout their own backyard. It wouldn’t come as a surprise if more scouts were hired across the board.
Side note – The Audette family name may once again grace an NHL Roster as Donald’s son, Daniel Audette was drafted first overall by the Sherbrooke Phoenix in the 2012 QMJHL Entry draft. Daniel accumulated 25 goals, 60 points in 39 games playing for the QMAAA team Collège Esther-Blondin Phénix and many scouts will keep a watchful eye on the young forward.
