Former Canadiens GM, Irving Grundman, passed away

[Chet-Nick]

Despite having his name engraved on the Stanley Cup (1978-79). Grundman was a controversial figure during his days in Montreal's front office.

From dealing Langway and Engblom to Washington. To trading Larouche to Hartford for their 1st rounder in 1984. Was hoping to land the highly touted teenage wizard, Lemieux. The Canadiens eventually chose Svoboda.

No English story available yet. Only in French >

Irving Grundman est décédé

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[dinodebino]

RIP, bit of a scoundrel at City Hall. I will always remember being called un gérant de salle de bowling!

 

[Chet-Nick]

RIP, bit of a scoundrel at City Hall. I will always remember being called un gérant de salle de bowling!

Once read a Gazette story about him years ago. Irving was opening a door for some lady at a local mall/plaza. She looked at him and yelled, "f--koff!"

Classic stuff! lol

 

[dinodebino]

Can't figure out what Pollock liked about this guy, really.

 

[salbutera]

Despite having his name engraved on the Stanley Cup (1978-79). Grundman was a controversial figure during his days in Montreal's front office.

From dealing Langway and Engblom to Washington. To trading Larouche to Hartford for their 1st rounder in 1984. Was hoping to land the highly touted teenage wizard, Lemieux. The Canadiens eventually chose Svoboda.

No English story available yet. Only in French >

Irving Grundman est décédé

He got canned because Habs lost 3-straight years in the first round two of them they got swept 3-0 (Oilers & Sabres)

 

[dinodebino]

He got canned because Habs lost 3-straight years in the first round two of them they got swept 3-0 (Oilers & Nords)

And he wasn't well respected by the players either. Bowman wanted that job.

 

[salbutera]

Can't figure out what Pollock liked about this guy, really.

Even though Habs were successful on the ice winning Cups, 3-straight at the time and something to the effect of 15-in-25 years (since early 50s), it was in the order of the 5th ownership change, because they were poor at maximizing profit efficiency, in fact profits were down. Grundman was a very very successful businessman with one of the bowling alley chains, Pollock was moved to Canadiens Board of Directors, recall Habs had no President till Corey was brought on board from the brewery in 1982.

 

[salbutera]

He got canned because Habs lost 3-straight years in the first round two of them they got swept 3-0 (Oilers & Nords)

Correction - 83 was Scotty’s Sabres not Nords, that was in 82 in 5games

 

[dinodebino]

Even though Habs were successful on the ice winning Cups, 3-straight at the time and something to the effect of 15-in-25 years (since early 50s), it was in the order of the 5th ownership change, because they were poor at maximizing profit efficiency, in fact profits were down. Grundman was a very very successful businessman with one of the bowling alley chains, Pollock was moved to Canadiens Board of Directors, recall Habs had no President till Corey was brought on board from the brewery in 1982.

Imagine naming a gm because he was good at business with bowling alleys.

 

[dinodebino]

Correction - 83 was Scotty’s Sabres not Nords, that was in 82 in 5games

That series against the Merdiques, with Pétèrre scoring...I remember it. f***ing Merdiques and Pètèrre's smile. And the jerk gnawing his gum like a f***ing rat behind the bench going bananas. God I HATED them. Like real HATE.

 

[Runner77]

A footnote has been turned into a thread. So now, we're compelled to give this guy his due.

No f***ing comment.

 

[salbutera]

That series against the Merdiques, with Pétèrre scoring...I remember it. f***ing Merdiques and Pètèrre's smile. And the jerk gnawing his gum like a f***ing rat behind the bench going bananas. God I HATED them. Like real HATE.

That Dale Hunter goal in OT vs Rick Walmsley in game 5 OT should be a reminder to every Habs fan be careful what you wish for re: jettison Price.

Bunny, Denis Herron, Sevigny, Walmsley were all supposed to fill in for Dryden who had it easy because of the team in front of him...

 

[1909]

RIP Mr Grundman.

His worst decision: Drafting Wickenheiser instead of Denis Savard.

 

[Chet-Nick]

RIP Mr Grundman.

His worst decision: Drafting Wickenheiser instead of Denis Savard.

In hindsight, yes. No doubt.

Every GM and scout had Wickenheiser slotted at 1st overall. The Canadiens already had small centers (Jarvis, Mondou & Acton). With a couple smaller ones (Carbonneau & Daoust) in the system. Size was a serious need. Never worked. Disastrous.

Set aside that debacle. Under Grundman - and his scouting staff - the Habs selected Naslund, Carbonneau, McPhee, Chelios, Kurvers, Ludwig and Mark Hunter. Throw in Gingras too.

Better track record than Bergevin.

 

[widowmaker]

What could have been if Bowman at the helm

 

[salbutera]

RIP Mr Grundman.

His worst decision: Drafting Wickenheiser instead of Denis Savard.

Hindsight: Who knows how it would’ve worked out if Wickenheiser never made the team as an 18-year old only to end up watching from the press-box...for an org that always believed in developing players through the farm system...

 

[salbutera]

What could have been if Bowman at the helm

Scotty was a terrible GM as Sabres history shows..

 

[Chet-Nick]

What could have been if Bowman at the helm

Scotty started off making some slick moves in Buffalo.

Veteran defenseman, Jerry Korab, was traded to the Kings for a 1st round pick (Phil Housley).

Former member of the French Connection, Rick Martin, also traded to L.A. for another 1st rounder (Tom Barrasso).

Martin's linemate, Rene Robert, sent to the old Colorado Rockies for the steady/productive John Van Boxmeer,

A trio of fan favorites, Danny Gare, Bob Sauve (reacquired a year later) and Jimmy Schoenfeld found themselves in Detroit for Mike Foligno, Dale McCourt and Bent Peterson.

All these moves were great for Buffalo. They were competitive. Made the semi-finals once. Too bad the Canadiens, Bruins and Nordiques were in the same division.

Bowman's act quickly faded. The Sabres missed the playoffs in 1985-86 and 1986-87.

 

[Lucky Luke]

Is he the same Grundman who was alderman for Ville St-Laurent?
If so, his municipal career did not end very well.

Sympathies.