Marc Bergevin discusses John Tavares, Tomas Plekanec, and more in his free agency press conference

The general manager spoke to the media after his work to begin the free agency period, mentioning the Toronto Maple Leafs, Plekanec, the state of the team, recent draft picks, and more.

By Justin Blades@JustinBlades Jul 1, 2018, 3:33pm EDT

Marc Bergevin spoke to the media after a day spending minor pieces to the organization. This is what the general manager of the Montreal Canadiens had to say.

On not getting John Tavares

Habs found out they were out on Tavares when the free agency conversation window opened. "We were disappointed, but it's his decision." said GM Marc Bergevin in French.
— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) July 1, 2018

And on the Toronto Maple Leafs now that they have him

"Of course on paper they have a better team," said Bergevin about the Leafs.
— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) July 1, 2018

He also mentioned how it was a rebulld that let the Leafs draft several players in the top five thhat allowed them to be an enticing destination for Tavares.

On the state of the team

Bergevin : «Je ne suis pas prêt à dire qu'on fait une reconstruction.»
— TVA Sports (@TVASports) July 1, 2018

“Our goal is to compete for a playoff spot” #Habs GM Marc Bergevin says #HabsIO
— Stu Cowan (@StuCowan1) July 1, 2018

"The phone is open 24/7... But, I'm not going to spend money just to spend money." - Marc Bergevin on signing free agents going forward #GoHabsGo
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) July 1, 2018

#Habs GM Marc Bergevin says he’s getting closer to hiring new defence coach with 3 candidates in running #HabsIO
— Stu Cowan (@StuCowan1) July 1, 2018

"I think what Trevor [Timmins] did with his staff, with the 11 picks [in the NHL Draft], with the kids coming down the pipe, I'm very excited about the future of the Montreal Canadiens... I'm not going to sacrifice the future of the team for a short-term fix." - Marc Bergevin
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) July 1, 2018

On re-signing Tomas Plekanec

"We're bringing back a player we know very well. He wanted to play in Montreal... He's a good pro. He's very well-respected by his teammates." - Marc Bergevin on signing Tomas Plekanec #GoHabsGo
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) July 1, 2018

On potentially signing Anthony Duclair

Marc Bergevin confirme qu’il a discuté avec Philippe Lecavalier, l’agent de @aduclair10. Il ne cache pas qu’il a de l’intérêt pour l’attaquant québécois. #CH #RDS
— Luc Gelinas (@LucGelinasRDS) July 1, 2018

Bergevin : «Duclair est un joueur duquel on a parlé. On a un intérêt.»
— TVA Sports (@TVASports) July 1, 2018

On today’s free agent additions

#Habs Bergevin says he wasn’t crazy about giving longterm contracts to centres on the market (not named Tavares or Stastny). Thus he went with Plekanec for familiarity, citing he’s a good teacher, can be used in diffferent situations and helps in the middle.
— John Lu (@JohnLuTSNMtl) July 1, 2018

#Habs Bergevin says he expects UFA acquisition Matthew Peca to play in Montreal this coming season.
— John Lu (@JohnLuTSNMtl) July 1, 2018

On Jesperi Kotkaniemi

"He's coming to training camp. He got better every day [at camp]. We're going ahead with an open mind. We see a lot of potential and growth in this young man." - Marc Bergevin on Jesperi Kotkaniemi #GoHabsGo
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) July 1, 2018

On the other draft picks

Samuel Houde est le jeune qui a le plus surpris Marc Bergevin lors du camp de développement. @SagueneensLHJMQ #rds #lhjmq
— Luc Gelinas (@LucGelinasRDS) July 1, 2018