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Bergevin started by thanking Michel Therrien for his hard work.
“I made a big decision yesterday by firing Michel. Understand it’s not an easy decision, but I have to do all I can to help this organization. That’s what motivated my decision. I want to express my gratitude towards Michel. We worked together for 5 years, and went through many battles. We always had frank and honest conversations. I want to thank him for all he’s done for this organization, he’s a great coach and I wish him nothing but the best in the future. That being said, my responsibility goes beyond emotions. I reached the conclusion that we were at a turning point for the team, and that’s why I made this decision, in the club’s best interest. I’m convinced I acquired one of the best coaches in the NHL in Claude Julien. “
(translated on the fly from French)
#Habs Bergevin: I am convinced and proud to have gotten our hands on one of the best coaches in the league. (Julien) #TSN690
— Amanda Stein (@amandacstein) February 15, 2017
Bergevin: "I have reached the conclusion that we are at the turning point of our team & I am convinced this is in our best interest" #TSN690
— Amanda Stein (@amandacstein) February 15, 2017
He met with his former coach in person yesterday, although he noted that even if Julien wasn’t on the market, a change was needed.
"Even is Claude wasn't available there was a decision to be made for the team" - Bergevin
— Аrpon Basu (@ArponBasu) February 15, 2017
Bergevin: I saw in the recent performances that something was missing.
— Heather Engel (@engelheather) February 15, 2017
As for the meeting that took place last week, it was not about Michel Therrien according to Bergevin.
#Habs: Bergevin did not ask his players about making a coaching change. #TSN690
— Amanda Stein (@amandacstein) February 15, 2017
Bergevin affirms his meeting with leadership group in Arizona was not about Therrien and that Therrien suggested he do it alone.
— Аrpon Basu (@ArponBasu) February 15, 2017
Ownership did not pressure Bergevin into making the change.
#Habs Bergevin says Geoff Molson had "zero" involvement in the decision to change coaches
— John Lu (@JohnLuTSNMtl) February 15, 2017
That being said, Bergevin is quite happy with the change.
Bergevin says Julien addresses Canadiens' short- and long-term needs. Calls hiring a home run. #Habs #NHL
— Sean Farrell (@seanfarrell27) February 15, 2017
He noted that he’s not interested in trading a guy like Sergachev for a quick fix. (Hallelujah!)
Bergevin says trading Sergachev for "a fix" is not happening.
— Аrpon Basu (@ArponBasu) February 15, 2017
Willing to sacrifice some of your future?
— Heather Engel (@engelheather) February 15, 2017
"Depends on the future. If it's a top prospect, no. That's a short conversation, 20 seconds."
GM Marc Bergevin didn’t think long when asked if he’s willing to trade any @CanadiensMTL top prospects pic.twitter.com/ESevPg8l9O
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) February 15, 2017
But he wasn’t willing to open up as to why he thinks the Habs faltered.
#Habs Bergevin wouldn't share what areas he felt were deficient that led to MT's firing. "Something was missing," said a lot in its brevity.
— John Lu (@JohnLuTSNMtl) February 15, 2017
Bergevin: "I didn't make my decision based on how Boston operates." #Habs #Julien
— Marc Antoine Godin (@MAGodin) February 15, 2017
Bergevin on what Julien brings: "Strict, fair and firm. That's what the players need these days. Accountability." (Translated from French)
— Sean Coleman (@SColemanCTV) February 15, 2017
"At the end of the day we're all human and we all have feelings and it's tough. It was tough yesterday" - Marc Bergevin
— Аrpon Basu (@ArponBasu) February 15, 2017
#Habs Bergevin on going to meet Therrien at his home: "I believe in my heart he knew. It was hard for him, it was hard for me." #TSN690
— Amanda Stein (@amandacstein) February 15, 2017
Bergevin made a list of possible replacements, but in the end Julien was clearly the right man for the job.
"J'ai fait une liste mais à la fin de la journée il était clair que Claude Julien était l'homme de la situation." Bergevin
— Louis Jean (@LouisJean_TVA) February 15, 2017
#Habs Bergevin: After the Boston loss was when he knew changes need to come. (If I translated that correctly).
— Amanda Stein (@amandacstein) February 15, 2017
As for the Carey Price situation...
#Habs Bergevin on Price losing the confidence of Therrien: "I don't think so, the only person who can really answer that question is Carey."
— Amanda Stein (@amandacstein) February 15, 2017
Bergevin: "Do I have full confidence in Carey Price? No doubt in my mind." #Habs
— Kyle Bukauskas (@SNkylebukauskas) February 15, 2017
#Habs Bergevin concedes Price has had recent ups and downs, but "his game will be on track consistently before you know it."
— John Lu (@JohnLuTSNMtl) February 15, 2017
#Habs: Bergevin on Carey Price: "Am I worried? No. Do I expect more? Yes." #TSN690
— Amanda Stein (@amandacstein) February 15, 2017
Bergevin briefly discussed the deadline.
Elite centremen are not available so it's not gonna happen. - Bergevin on improving the middle via trade.
— BrianWilde (@BWildeCTV) February 15, 2017
And then he was back to discussing his new coach.
Bergevin says Julien signed long term, won't say how many years.
— Аrpon Basu (@ArponBasu) February 15, 2017
“There was no formal interview. We had a discussion but he was the man for the situation.I already did the legwork."-Bergevin on Julien hire
— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) February 15, 2017
Bergevin won't confirm whether or not Gerard Gallant was contacted.
— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) February 15, 2017
#Habs: Bergevin was asked: Do you feel this roster is good enough to contend right now? "Yes." #TSN690
— Amanda Stein (@amandacstein) February 15, 2017
And the final word was quite the endorsement.
#Habs Bergevin on Julien: "In my opinion, he's a superstar."
— John Lu (@JohnLuTSNMtl) February 15, 2017