Predictably, the general manager was not happy with Montreal’s quick exit from the playoffs.
Bergevin: “I am very disappointed in the first round defeat.” #TSN690
— Amanda Stein (@amandacstein) April 24, 2017
Although Bergevin noted that he’s not disappointed with the level effort given by his team, and that it’s not time to make any reactionary decisions.
“I’m not going to blow up the team; I’ll make adjustments. We have a good core here.” – Bergevin #gohabsgo
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) April 24, 2017
Despite having 60 point pro-rated season, Bergevin was disappointed with Galchenyuk’s year, and went on to say his short term future is on the wing. Claude Julien however said ideally Galchenyuk would be a centre.
“Alex n’a pas eu une saison (conforme) à nos attentes” – Bergevin sur Galchenyuk
— Alexandre Gascon (@GasconAlexandre) April 24, 2017
“Ideally, we’d love to have [Galchenyuk] play center. You have to be good at both ends of the ice and you have to be responsible.” -C.Julien
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) April 24, 2017
They went on discuss Carey Price’s contract situation, albeit briefly.
Bergevin re: Price contract “He is a big part of our team. We’d like him for a long time.” won’t go into details re contract talk.
— Amanda Stein (@amandacstein) April 24, 2017
MB on signing: “Carey is a big piece, huge piece. We know what happened last yr when he wasn’t around. We’ll find the means to get it done.”
— Amanda Stein (@amandacstein) April 24, 2017
More Bergevin on Price:
Q: “Can a team win with a goaltender being the highest paid player?”
A: “I hope so because he’s not going anywhere”— Amanda Stein (@amandacstein) April 24, 2017
Bergevin also interested (obviously) in bringing back Radulov.
— Amanda Stein (@amandacstein) April 24, 2017
Julien was quick to compliment his captain.
“He fought. He did everything he could to show his leadership. He has our support and we recognize what he does.” -Julien on Pacioretty
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) April 24, 2017
“I was very happy with our leadership group. We struggled for a period during the regular season, but came back to find our game.”- Bergevin
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) April 24, 2017
Bergevin will be watching the IceCaps during their playoff run, and hopefully realize Charles Hudon should have been given a legitimately opportunity a long time ago.
Bergevin and Julien will head to see the #IceCaps – who are in the playoffs – on Wednesday.
— Amanda Stein (@amandacstein) April 24, 2017
Bergevin wants Beaulieu to take responsibility of development.
Bergevin on development, when asked about Beaulieu: “At some point players have to take ownership, know where their game is at.” #TSN690
— Amanda Stein (@amandacstein) April 24, 2017
“Beaulieu est à la croisée des chemins. Clock is ticking” – Bergevin #ch #rvasports
— Marc-André Perreault (@MA_PerreaultTVA) April 24, 2017
When it comes to Julien’s assistant coaches, their future remains a mystery.
Julien will meet his assistant coaches Tues. Wants to know if they’re comfortable working with him. Then he will make a decision. #TSN690
— Amanda Stein (@amandacstein) April 24, 2017
Marc Bergevin is adamant, he will not trade Carey Price for anyone.
— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) April 24, 2017
“He’s a player we want to bring back, but there are limits, cap-wise. We’ll do everything we can.” -Bergevin on re-signing Radulov
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) April 24, 2017
Bergevin: “When you pick in the 20s year after year, it’s hard to find core pieces unless you get lucky.”
— Sean Coleman (@SColemanCTV) April 24, 2017
«Nous croyons que Lehkonen peut être un top 6 à très court terme» – Marc Bergevin
— TVA Sports (@TVASports) April 24, 2017
(We believe Lehkonen can be a top 6 very soon)
Bergevin believe action before and after the expansion draft will be more than what we’ve seen in previous years–re trades.
— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) April 24, 2017
In the end Bergevin did not take any responsibility for the quick playoff exit, and placed the onus on his players for their lack of development and success. It wasn’t a particularly inspiring press conference to say the least. Trades are hard, signing players is a complicated process, playoff success is never guaranteed, etc.
Unfortunately, platitudes and empty rhetoric have become a common theme in Montreal over the last few years.
(You can watch the entire 45 minute press conference by clicking here)
