There is talk of a controversy surrounding Chantal Machabée and the Montreal Canadiens, but it comes from the very controversial Réjean Tremblay himself.

During a recent appearance on the show “Dans les médias”, the sports journalist mentioned that the Canadiens control the media regarding their image. Here’s what he had to say:

“I’ll give you an example that will interest you.

Last Thursday, the Canadiens played in Philadelphia. It’s been less than a year. Martin St-Louis, the coach everyone loves, meets the other coach, John Tortorella, who has a bad reputation but is actually very nice. Martin played 12-15 years for him, so they hug and have fun before it starts.

The TVA Sports cameraman takes the footage, 30 seconds. It’s cute, it’s beautiful. You can make a story out of it. Chantal Machabée arrives and says, ‘No-No-No. These are private images, and they won’t air!’

Normally, you have the right to be rude, stupid, and say, ‘Chantal, get lost! This is public, we’re in a building, and we pay rights. This is for TVA and our viewers.’ That would have been journalism.

The footage was never shown.”

– Réjean Tremblay

If we try to understand both sides for a moment, we realize that it’s a storm in a teacup. Martin St-Louis himself said in front of the media that he met John Tortorella and they spent time together. It’s normal; he is his mentor and a dear friend.

The two men gathered, and the footage didn’t have to be broadcast everywhere for the organization to see; that’s all. It doesn’t mean she’s trying to hide what happened.

On the other hand, we can understand the frustration of some trying to stand out in a field that is not easy, namely sports journalism.

At the moment, Tremblay’s post has been deleted, and many are wondering if Télé-Québec intends to publish the interview online. According to observers, it is indeed accessible on their Facebook page.

Do you think it’s a storm in a teacup, or is there really controversy, in your opinion?