Marc Bergevin press conference quotes: “Claude Julien is one of the best coaches in the NHL”

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?

"Depends on the future. If it's a top prospect, no. That's a short conversation, 20 seconds."

— Heather Engel (@engelheather) February 15, 2017

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