Changing the Gaurd

Since the Montreal Canadian let go of their General Manager Pierre Gauthier March 29th, the GM role for the Canadians sat empty waiting for someone to come down and rescue the historic franchise. Who better to retain the role of the Canadians than a former Montreal Native, so after nearly 3 decades of time spent away from home Marc Bergevin is returning home as the new GM of the Montreal Canadians. 

Bergevin who is 46 grew up in Montreal watching the Habs win many a Stanley Cup, now it is his job to get the Habs back to the Stanley Cup. He brings 20 years experience as a former defenceman who played for 8 different teams and 7 years of scouting and management with the Chicago Blackhawkes (including the year they won the cup). But dealing with the Canadians (and the media) will be no easy task for Bergevin.

"I took this job first of all because I know I'm ready. If I wasn't ready for the challenge I wouldn't be here today"- Marc Bergervin

 A challenge it will be, the Canadians had a dismal 2011-2012 season that ended with them in 15th in the Eastern Conference, 3rd last in the league and in a lottery pick situation. But Bergevin is staying true the current roster and refuted any possibly of a complete "rebuild" in Montreal.

"I believe the pieces are really good. Obviously finished 15th in the conference, it's a lot of work that needs to be done but you have a good base."- Marc Bergevin

Bergevin's first order of business was letting interim head coach Randy Cunneyworth know that he is no longer the head coach but instead and interim assistant coach, where the new head coach can decide whether they want to keep Cunneyworth or not. Even if you're not a fan of the Canadians you have to feel somewhat sorry for him, put in an awkward position by former GM after Gauthier came out and said they would look for another head coach who was bilingual. Cunneyworth did the best job he could in his situation and now he may lose his job all together! 


The next order of business for the new GM is negotiating contract extensions with the likes of; Carey Price and P.K Subban. Two cornerstone players for the Habs who need to be locked up long term. He also needs to decide what to do with Scott Gomez, a rumour came out shortly after news broke about the new GM that the Canadians would buy out the remaining 4 years on Gomez's contract. 


After he works out all the contract situations he still has one last daunting task, finding a new head coach. Many have pointed to the possibility of Patrick Roy returning to Montreal, while others speculate they will look for a new coach with no former ties to the Canadians looking for a fresh start. 


Marc Bergevin is a fun loving guy with a great sense of humour which will serve him well in Montreal and in the media. Right now he's taking it all in stride and getting used to his new GM job. But expect lots of movement from the new GM who will be looking to make a splash this offseason and put a winning Canadians team on the ice for the start of next season!