Canadiens Sold to Molson Family

Various media outlets are reporting this afternoon that the Montreal Canadiens have been sold to the Molson family, pending league approval (which, according to TSN, could take until mid-summer). The price tag for the NHL's most storied franchise? Depending on which report you listen to, it's somewhere between $500 million and $550 million ... or more.

How are Canadiens fans reacting to the news?

The good folks at Four Habs Fans haven't had an opportunity to offer their full thoughts quite yet, but their headline of of "SOLD! Habs kept out of evil Quebecor Hands" seems to be quite the positive reaction. Meanwhile, Habs Eyes On The Prize offers up this optimistic take if you're a Canadiens fan:

From a Canadiens fans point of view, this sale is far and away the best possible scenario. The Molson family - sons Geoff, Andrew and Justin - are concerned only with hockey, the running of the club and it's success on the ice. They will be non meddling, hands off owners who will continue to give the club a stable front office.

Well that's certainly good news for hockey fans in Montreal. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman also commented on the news:

"I think to the extent that they've been able to find people who are obviously passionate about the game and structure a transaction that makes sense for everybody, that's a real plus for the franchise and the fans in Montreal."

The franchise was owned by the Molson family/corporation until the 2001 season when George Gillett bought 80 percent of the franchise.

The Canadiens offseason started a few weeks ago when the team named Jacques Martin as its new head coach, while Montreal has a number of key players headed to free agency including Saku Koivu, Alexei Kovalev, Alex Tanguay, and Mike Komisarek.