Habs GM Marc Bergevin makes statement that leave many questioning his future
He might be the most polarizing figure in Montreal over the last nine years. Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin has earned his fair share of supporters and haters since 2012, and both sides can likely make legitimate arguments for their case. Bergevin has pulled off some of the most memorable moves in the NHL since taking over the GM position in Montreal. The one-for-one trade involving PK Weber and Shea Weber, trading away captain Max Pacioretty to the Vegas Golden Knights and snagging young prospect Nick Suzuki in the process, and turning former first rounder Alex Galchenyuk into Max Domi and then Josh Anderson, you can debate the value of his trades, but you can't argue with Bergevin's willingness to make bold moves.
After making major changes in the last offseason, Bergevin managed to put together a team that went all the way to the Stanley Cup Final. The road there wasn't always pretty, but he got the job done and produced the Habs' most memorable season in 28 years. Given that fact, one would think the team and Bergevin are in this together for a while yet, but that no longer seems to be the case after a statement made Friday by Bergevin himself.
«I have one more year on my contract, and I will honour that,» said Bergevin.
When asked if he would like to stay on as general manager after that, he declined to comment.
Given his obvious love for the team and its players - you only have to watch his actions following Montreal's elimination of the Vegas Golden Knights in the semi-finals to get the sense of his passion - those answers certainly weren't expected by reporters or most fans. It's almost like Bergevin already knows the answer but just doesn't want to talk about it.
One particular name has been appearing a lot over the last year or so when it comes to Montreal, Patrick Roy. The former star netminder for the Canadiens seems to have been gradually building a bigger profile in speculation involving the Canadiens. When Rumours began to float around that head coach Claude Julien was on the hot seat, Roy's name came up several times in possibilities to replace him. Is it possible owner Geoff Molson is planning to replace Bergevin with Roy? Maybe Bergevin himself has made the decision to get out of the intense heat that comes with being a GM in Quebec. At this point, there's no way of knowing. But, the statement he made, and the one he didn't, on Friday are sure to cause plenty of speculation regarding his future with the Habs. No question many will be happy, with a generally equal amount hoping he stays out.
| POLL | ||
Do you want Bergevin to stay the GM of the Habs? | ||
| Yes | 163 | 63.2 % |
| No | 95 | 36.8 % |
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