The Montreal Canadiens are continuing to make changes both on and off the ice.
Eric Engels of Sportsnet.ca reports the team has let go of analytics specialist Matt Pfeffer. The Canadiens hired Pfeffer at the beginning of the season as a consultant.
Was just informed by a source that the Montreal Canadiens let go of analytics specialist Matt Pfeffer.
— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) July 13, 2016
It’s disappointing the Canadiens let Pfeffer go. Pfeffer is one of best and brightest hockey stats minds, as he worked his way up the ladder with the Ottawa 67’s as a 19-year-old, and also did some work with the San Jose Sharks and Hockey Canada. Montreal hired the 21-year-old to consult with the team in a move that was universally praised. Almost every NHL team is taking the dive into analytics, and to see Montreal do the same was encouraging for Habs fans.
So, to let go of Pfeffer after a year is strange. There are some who questioned whether Pfeffer had a voice in the organization and if the Canadiens implemented or used his data and research. To fire him after one season doesn’t really give him a chance to do his job.
If I was to jump to a conclusion about the firing, my guess would be Marc Bergevin is doubling-down on his toughness, truculence, and grit mindset. The move also comes after the P.K. Subban/Shea Weber trade, which advanced stats show was a huge loss for Montreal in the swap. The Canadiens might be clearing house and doing things the old fashioned way – which would be stupid – but that’s just my own speculation. Perhaps, they’re moving in a different direction and will hire someone else. Engels reports they’re looking – but time will tell if that’s genuine.
Pfeffer won’t be a free agent for long. He’s well-respected, liked in the industry, is a bright young voice and has tangible experience working in the league. The Canadiens loss will be someone else’s gain.
