You tend to read a story like this, reported by the Canadian Press's Stephen Whyno, and you just hope for the best:

Patrice Brisebois is leaving the Montreal Canadiens for personal reasons, a source tells The Canadian Press.

Brisebois, who has served as director of player development for the past two years, told general manager Marc Bergevin of his intentions earlier this week, the source said.

The 43-year-old Montreal native played 16 of his 18 NHL seasons for the Habs. Between Montreal and the Colorado Avalanche he played 1,009 career games.

A team losing its director of player development is a big deal, and this will present a challenge and a half for Bergevin and his management group, but you've got to let folks deal with their personal lives first and foremost...