Bergevin's future in Montreal clouded in doubt
The Montreal Canadiens vastly exceeded any realistic pundit's predictions this season, reaching the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since winning the Stanley Cup in 1993. They accomplished it without using Jonathan Drouin, who had been signed to be one of the team's top scoring threats, thanks in large part to a roster put together by Montreal Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin.
Bergevin has been one of the most divisive general managers in hockey over the last few years, both because he works in arguably the most fervent hockey market in the world, Montreal, and because of his aggressive style of management behind the scenes, never afraid to make a big trade or sign a big player, but that appears to have changed recently.
The anti-Bergevin screams died down this season, thanks to his team's deep playoff run, and it was expected that Bergevin would be offered a long-term contract and stay with the organisation as general manager for many years. However, comments made by the Habs' GM during a media availability on Friday raised a few eyebrows throughout the National Hockey League, leading to speculation that Bergevin may not be in his position for long.
"I have one more year under contract, and I will honour that," said Bergevin on Friday.
Bergevin himself indicated that season had been a tough one.
"Mentally, it was very difficult," admitted the Canadiens GM.
Those statements from Bergevin, particularly to the ears of those who have heard rumours that Canadiens owner Geoff Molson has already offered Bergevin a large long-term extension, could indicate that being general manager of the Canadiens is not in his long-term plans. NHL expert Elliotte Friedman stated in a recent post that one of his sources believes the Canadiens general manager is burnt out after his years in one of the most high-pressure cities in sports.
From Friedman:
Prior to the end of the regular season, there was plenty of reason to believe owner Geoff Molson was firmly in Bergevin's corner and had offered the GM an extension. But one source warned to be careful. He said Bergevin was burnt out and may not want to return.
| POLL | ||
Do you want Bergevin to stay with the Canadiens? | ||
| Yes | 95 | 54 % |
| No | 81 | 46 % |
| Liste des sondages | ||
