Canadiens hire Marc Bergevin as general manager

MONTREAL (AP) - The Montreal Canadiens have hired Marc Bergevin as general manager.

Bergevin served as assistant GM for the Chicago Blackhawks under Stan Bowman this season. The 46-year-old Montreal native replaces the fired Pierre Gauthier.

A former defenseman with 20 years NHL experience, he has spent seven seasons in various jobs in Chicago's front office.

Bergevin played for Chicago, the New York Islanders, Hartford, Tampa Bay, Detroit, St. Louis, Pittsburgh and Vancouver from 1984 to 2004.

Montreal owner and president Geoff Molson will introduce Bergevin at an afternoon news conference.