Oct 7: Just before Bergevin spoke with the media regarding Carey Price, a Canadiens spokesperson told reporters including John Lu of TSN that there will be no further updates on the general manager’s contract status until the end of the season. Bergevin will play out the year and discuss it afterward.
Sep 29: Though the main front office news yesterday was the extension signed with Julien BriseBois in Tampa Bay, Pierre LeBrun also included another note in his appearance on TSN’s Insider Trading. The Montreal Canadiens, fresh off an appearance in the Stanley Cup Final, offered general manager Marc Bergevin a contract extension in July.
What I can tell you is this. He has talked to owner Geoff Molson about his future dating back to last January. I’m told they spoke again last March. I’m told in July Molson made an offer. There has not been an agreement, read into that what you will. I believe Marc Bergevin wants to stay, but they obviously have to reach a deal that works for both sides. Both sides continue to talk, and there’s a lot of pressure on this situation.
Bergevin’s tenure in Montreal has been anything but smooth. Hired away from the Chicago Blackhawks in 2012, he came to a Canadiens team that had just gone 31-35-16, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2007. Michel Therrien would return as head coach, leading the team back to the postseason in a lockout-shortened schedule, and then to consecutive 100+ point seasons and a Conference Finals appearance in 2014. Things didn’t continue so well though, and when Bergevin decided in 2016 to trade all-star defenseman P.K. Subban, many fans were at their breaking point.
In time, that trade turned out to be accepted by many thanks to the style of play and leadership Shea Weber brought back to the team. But there was a period when Bergevin appeared to be on his last legs in Montreal. The public departures of Alexander Radulov and Andrei Markov caused many to call for change at the top, but Molson stuck with his GM through some lean seasons and was rewarded when they went on a Cinderella-like run this year. The Canadiens entered the postseason as huge underdogs against the North-leading Toronto Maple Leafs, but pulled off a miraculous first-round comeback and then stormed their way to the finals.
That performance, including a midseason coaching change to replace veteran Claude Julien with upstart Dominique Ducharme, will buy Bergevin some more time if he wants it. An extension offer comes as no surprise, but the question now is whether a deal can be worked out before the season begins. In July, Ducharme and his staff were given three-year extensions. Now the wait is on to see whether their boss will get one of his own.
Weird spot Marc is in right now. With everything going on with the misconduct allegations back in his Chicago days it’s certainly a Montreal type move to lock him up before all the fallout from that is settled
What was his knowledge in the Chicago case, and the Mailloux situation should both be considered in an extension offer.
He was literally the guys boss in Chicago and claims he never knew a thing about the incident despite being it being common knowledge. The Mailloux thing is just plain odd
Bergevin wasn’t involved or aware of the situation in Chicago. And I agree, the Logan Mailloux pick was another great move by Bergevin. The young man will be a key player for the Habs for many years, he’s big, mean and can skate and make plays. Will be an anchor on the blue line.
Everyone without proof and who the players cant say “i spoke directly to him about it”, is gonna deny knowing anything, dont make it true
Are you making an accusation? If so what is it?
Ya Mailloux getting a year of not playing at all should really help his development. Was a projected 2nd round pick. Reached for him in the 1st when he requested not being picked at all. Everything is adding up for him to bust. But I hope the best for the kid.
Yeah, I can tell you’re hoping the best for him just from your comments….
You sound like part of the “woke” cancel culture who want to completely destroy the young man’s career and life despite his apologies and repentance. Also, he was ranked #15 prior to the incident in Sweden. Get your facts straight.
I think everyone is getting carried away with distractions – items that are simply irrelevant at this point in time. All that really matters right now is that Bergy is fully vaccinated, which means he’s fully committed to keeping everyone “safe and healthy”, which is the only thing in Canada of real importance right now. Berg should get at least a 3 year extension for taking the jabs. Not up for debate