Report: Canadiens have let go analytics specialist Matt Pfeffer

When the Canadiens hired Matt Pfeffer, it seemed as if they were finally prepared to step into the analytics age for good. However, Eric Engels reported today that the team has decided to let him go, so he will no longer be crunching numbers for them.

Was just informed by a source that the Montreal Canadiens let go of analytics specialist Matt Pfeffer.

— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) July 13, 2016

There aren't a ton of details, so I won't get too much into speculation. That being said, there are certain things that make me wonder if they were really using him as a resource. The P.K. Subban trade, the Andrew Shaw signing, and trading away Lars Eller don't read as moves made by a team that has bought into advanced statistics.

They have also made some moves and non-moves that suggest that he may have influenced the manner in which the team evaluates players.

There's always a chance that the Canadiens are intent on hiring a replacement. Only time will tell.

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