Montreal Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin met with the media Wednesday afternoon on a conference call to discuss the NHL’s return to play format and what it means for his team.
The Canadiens situation sees them with lower odds in the Draft Lottery, but a chance to make the playoffs and to play a play-in series against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Bergevin says the opportunity to make the playoffs outweighs the negative affects that the changes made on the draft lottery saying that every September the goal is to make the playoffs, and the team has a chance to do just that.
Bergevin: “For me, we have an opportunity as a team…to give us a chance to prove something we weren’t able to.
“…based on this, I’m going to say we’re fortunate to have a chance to prove ourselves if the playoffs occur.”#TSN690
— Joey Alfieri (@joeyalfieri) May 27, 2020
Marc Bergevin (translated): It’s like being on the last day of the season and having a chance to make the playoffs and saying that it’s better to lose and miss the playoffs because you give yourself a chance to be in the lottery. In September you want a chance to get in.
— Jared Book (@jaredbook) May 27, 2020
“I prefer to see the glass half full instead of half empty,” Bergevin says later.
— Аrpon Basu (@ArponBasu) May 27, 2020
Alexander Romanov and his contract situation is also a hot topic. Bergevin says no decision has been made on his status. The league and the NHLPA will need to be involved in the decision.
Marc Bergevin says nothing is settled as of yet on the possibility of Alexander Romanov playing. Bill Daly did say yesterday the league has to discuss cases like his with the PA.
— Аrpon Basu (@ArponBasu) May 27, 2020
Players health is an important topic as well, with Max Domi’s diabetes being a possible concern. Bergevin says no other Canadiens players have similar issues at this time.
Marc Bergevin says at this time there are no other Canadiens players at this time that have health conditions that could keep them from paying, like Max Domi and his diabetes.
— Jared Book (@jaredbook) May 27, 2020
Other players, like Jesperi Kotkaniemi, were injured at the time of the season.
Marc Bergevin says that he does not have an update on a possible return for Jesperi Kotkaniemi
— Jared Book (@jaredbook) May 27, 2020
Bergevin’s confident in his team’s chance.
#Habs Bergevin asked to assess his team’s chances vs #Penguins: “I think our chances are as good as any of the 8 teams (allowed into the play-in round). In a short series anything is possible, without putting too much pressure on Carey (Price).”
— John Lu (@JohnLuTSNMtl) May 27, 2020
Q: What’s been the hardest part of managing during the shutdown?
Bergevin: “The unknown.” #poet#tsn690
— Mitch Gallo (@MitchyGallo) May 27, 2020
Marc Bergevin says if doctors determine it would not be safe for Max Domi to play because he is a diabetic, then he won’t play.
— Аrpon Basu (@ArponBasu) May 27, 2020
Another good point brought up on Marc Bergevin conference call is #Habs Max Domi, who has Type 1 diabetes, possibly risking his health in COVID-19 playoffs with no contract for next season. GM says team won’t put health of players at risk. So many things to think about. #HabsIO
— Stu Cowan (@StuCowan1) May 27, 2020
“It’s a certainty we’ll carry more than two goalies,” said Bergevin.
— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) May 27, 2020
Bergevin on if he knows who his 28 skaters will be: “I have a good idea, but it’s not final. There are some questions surrounding the health of some of our young players.” #TSN690
— Joey Alfieri (@joeyalfieri) May 27, 2020
Bergevin: The game is played on the ice, not a sheet a paper. That’s why we have a chance.#tsn690
— Mitch Gallo (@MitchyGallo) May 27, 2020
Bergevin says Drouin is clear to play. Says he’s unsure about Mete, but when I spoke with Mete weeks ago, he was well on his way to a full recovery for a broken ankle.
— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) May 27, 2020
Marc Bergevin confirmed no contract will be coming for Allan McShane, Cole Fonstad, and Samuel Houde meaning they will be returned to the draft.
Bergevin confirme qu’Allan McShane, Cole Fonstad et Samuel Houde ne se verront pas offrir de contrats.#Habs #CH
— Raphaël Doucet (@raphdoucet) May 27, 2020
