Montreal Canadians: Is Bergevin in the hot seat?
Longtime NHL defenseman and GM of Montreal Canadiens Marc Bergevin is used to the ups and downs of an NHL general manager. The end of last season to the start of the 2021-22 season is quite different.
The Montreal Canadiens were busy last season, stunning the NHL by losing in the Stanley Cup finals to the Tampa Bay Lightning. This year, they have 1 win and 6 losses, scoring only 11 goals in 7 games.
The Canadiens’ Bergevin made it possible last season by acquiring some pieces that would come up huge in the playoffs. Tyler Toffoli, Michael Frolik, Corey Perry, and Josh Anderson were brought on via free agency or trade specifically for a playoff push to build a contender.
This season, the Montreal Canadiens have lost the services of Shea Weber, Carey Price, Paul Byron, Michael Frolik, and Corey Perry but Samuel Montembeault, Jake Allen, and Mike Hoffman are aboard for this season. Quite the turnaround for the Canadiens and Bergevin.
Last season, Bergevin was credited for making the Canadiens Cup contenders by making those moves to give them more depth. This season, he is being blamed for the slow start and his job may be in jeopardy.
Is it fair for Bergevin to be on the hot seat? He did make them a better team last season and led them to their first Cup finals appearance in years.
To some, he is to blame. Bergevin could have tried harder to keep the players who walked via free agency, and on the flip side could have done a better job in free agency.
Bergevin has been the Montreal Canadiens’ general manager for 10 years. He has not always made the best decisions but when he does the moves help the team in a big way.
What is in store for Bergevin both this season and next season? Does Bergevin lose his job or do the Canadiens turn this around with a trade or two?
Bergevin is not the worst general manager in the league. While some of his moves have been questioned he has time and time again to make the Canadiens contenders.
Last playing for the Vancouver Canucks during the 2003-04 season, he took time before accepting a scouting job for the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2005-06 season. He has been in the front office in some capacity since then.
Let us not forget that fans of the Canadiens are still not pleased with the decision to draft Logan Mailloux in this year’s draft. Although he cannot be at full blame he still gave the ok for the pick.
Although we do not know what his status will be at the season’s end, we can only conclude that if the Canadiens continue to struggle Bergevin and his job will be on the hot seat. How he deals with the pressure may ultimately determine how long he stays in Montreal.
Does Bergevin deserve an extension or to be fired? Depends on who you ask, but time is running out either way.