Former captain Damphousse informs Canadiens he doesn't want GM job

MONTREAL - Former team captain Vincent Damphousse has withdrawn his name from consideration for the Montreal Canadiens' vacant general manager's job.

Damphousse made the announcement Wednesday on the website of RDS, the Montreal-based all-sports station where he works as a hockey analyst.

''The job of general manager of the Canadiens would be an extremely stimulating challenge,'' he said. ''But right now my priority is my family.

''A job like that would demand a lot of travel and right now, I want to remain actively involved in my sons' lives.''

In two newspaper polls this week, Damphousse came second to Quebec Remparts coach and GM Patrick Roy as the readers' choice to replace Pierre Gauthier, who was fired last week.

Damphousse, a member of Montreal's Stanley Cup-winning team in 1993, served as captain from 1996 to 1998.

Others reportedly in contention for the job are player agent Pat Brisson and three assistant general managers from other clubs—Julien Brisebois of Tampa Bay, Marc Bergevin of Chicago and Claude Loiselle of Toronto. Broadcaster Pierre McGuire is also believed to be a candidate.

Team president Geoff Molson has retained former Canadiens GM Serge Savard to help find Gauthier's replacement.

The Canadiens are also expected to replace interim head coach Randy Cunneyworth. One name often mentioned is that of Lightning coach Guy Boucher, who said Wednesday he is not looking to move.

''I've got more years on my contract where I am, so unless I'm fired I'm very happy where I am,'' said Boucher, who coached Montreal's AHL affiliate in Hamilton before he was hired by the Bolts last season. ''We're building something.

''There are names out there (for the Canadiens job). Whether it's mine or others, I can't really comment because the only thing that matters to me right now is what's happening with the Lightning.''