Marc Bergevin was available to the press after today’s practice in Brossard.
He opened the conference by reiterating his confidence in the team’s coaching staff and players, while also shouldering the blame for the Habs’ struggles:
#Habs Bergevin: “All the critiques should be directed to me… It’s on me, only.” Michel Therrien and the players “are not going anywhere.”
— John Lu (@JohnLuTSNMtl) January 21, 2016
Bergevin says Therrien is safe for the rest of the season regardless of what happens rest of the season
— Pierre LeBrun (@Real_ESPNLeBrun) January 21, 2016
#Habs Bergevin emphatically states that the entire coaching staff will finish the season in Mtl “regardless (of what happens). It’s on me.”
— John Lu (@JohnLuTSNMtl) January 21, 2016
On Therrien individually
#Habs Bergevin: “If you’re ever in a foxhole, you want that guy next to you. That’s what Michel is to me.”
— Chantal (@pucksnlife) January 21, 2016
“Michel knows he has to make the players better and he works at it every day. That’s what I love about Michel Therrien.” – GM Marc Bergevin
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) January 21, 2016
Bergevin also clarified the owner’s stance on the situation.
#Habs Bergevin: “I have Molson’s support. 100 percent.”
— Chantal (@pucksnlife) January 21, 2016
He gave an update on the recovery of Carey Price, and responded to the idea of bringing in a replacement.
Bergevin on Carey – Slower than expected. No setback. No exact date. Another 3 weeks. Maybe a month.
— BrianWilde (@BWildeCTV) January 21, 2016
Bergevin on acquiring goalie – Number one goalies aren’t available. Period. The end.
— BrianWilde (@BWildeCTV) January 21, 2016
The GM commented further on the trade market.
#Habs Bergevin: “It’s hard to make trades these days. Big players are rarely available. I won’t sacrifice our future for short term gain.”
— Chantal (@pucksnlife) January 21, 2016
#Habs Bergevin: “My job is to make the team better. Doesn’t mean I’m not trying. If there’s something I can do, I will.”
— Chantal (@pucksnlife) January 21, 2016
On making a panic trade.
#Habs Bergevin: “I never put the organization in a vulnerable position for years to come. I’m not panicky. I won’t move in panic.”
— Chantal (@pucksnlife) January 21, 2016
Bergevin addressed the frustration from the fans.
#Habs Bergevin on fans frustration: “The pressure comes from us wanting to win, wanting to be successful. I understand why they’re angry.”
— Chantal (@pucksnlife) January 21, 2016
Regarding the trade that saw Jarred Tinordi dealt in return for Victor Bartley and John Scott:
#Habs Bergevin on Tinordi to Coyotes: “I had to make that trade,” but stopped short of disclosing reasons, calling them confidential.
— John Lu (@JohnLuTSNMtl) January 21, 2016
He also commented on the progress of the team’s prospects.
#Habs Bergevin on prospects: “They’re growing. Hopefully they can help us sooner rather than later.”
— Chantal (@pucksnlife) January 21, 2016
The general manager responded to whether he thought the team would struggle this much minus Price.
#Habs Bergevin: “Did I think we would dip this much? No. Did I think we would dip? Of course. Losing Price leaves a mark.”
— Chantal (@pucksnlife) January 21, 2016
#Habs Bergevin: “We have to find a way to win without Carey Price.”
— Chantal (@pucksnlife) January 21, 2016
Bergevin commented on Andrei Marvko’s recent stretch of play as well.
#Habs Bergevin on Markov: “His hockey IQ is top of the league, that has nothing to do with his feet. He’s still a big part of this team.”
— Chantal (@pucksnlife) January 21, 2016
On the salary cap.
#Habs Bergevin: “Nobody knows where the cap is going, where the dollar is going, it’s a moving target. I have to be responsible.”
— Chantal (@pucksnlife) January 21, 2016
On his message to the team
#canadiens Marc Bergevin told his players to play to win and don’t be afraid to make mistakes.
— Renaud Lavoie (@renlavoietva) January 21, 2016
#Habs Bergevin: “I believe losing Price does affect the team mentally. But I still believe in this group, and I told them.”
— Chantal (@pucksnlife) January 21, 2016
Regarding the recent story surrounding Alex Galchenyuk and his girlfriend.
#Habs Bergevin on Galchenyuk ‘incident’: “He put himself in a difficult position. He knows what I expect from him.”
— Chantal (@pucksnlife) January 21, 2016
