Marc Bergevin and Trevor Timmins met the media on Thursday ahead of Friday’s first round. Among the news was that Jordie Benn will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, and Michael McCarron is expected back to camp. McCarron was qualified, and has arbitration rights.
Bergevin says it’s likely Jordie Benn will test the market as a UFA
— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) June 20, 2019
Bergevin says Mike McCarron was qualified and will have another chance to prove himself come training camp
— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) June 20, 2019
He also says that trade talks are quieter than normal. Maybe because of the cap uncertainty, maybe because he’s trying to be sneaky.
Marc Bergevin disagrees that trade discussion has been more active than in years past. “I think it’s the opposite,” he said.
— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) June 20, 2019
No decisions have been made regarding buy outs, not even a decision that no one will be bought out.
Bergevin says he hasn’t made final decisions on player buy-outs–whether he’ll use them or not.
— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) June 20, 2019
One thing you shouldn’t expect the Canadiens to do is to change course in terms of size and speed.
“We’re going to continue to go with youth and speed. We’re heading in the right direction.” Bergevin
— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) June 20, 2019
In terms of what kind of player Bergevin would like, he was clear.
“I’d like to add a D…” Bergevin
— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) June 20, 2019
Marc Bergevin says he will look at the free agent market but contracts signed by Kevin Hayes and Jeff Skinner have him second guessing that route.
#Habs: Bergevin regardera le marché des joueurs autonomes pour améliorer son équipe. Mais il sera prudent. Il y a déjà de gros contrats (Skinner, Hayes) qui font réfléchir.
— J-F Chaumont (@JFChaumontJDM) June 20, 2019
He also said upcoming contracts to sign complicates the task of long-term contracts.
“I have to be careful as manager, and with the salary cap maybe not increasing much, with young players like Kotkaniemi and Domi to sign later, I have to be careful.”
— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) June 20, 2019
Marc Bergevin hasn’t closed the door on Charles Hudon returning…
— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) June 20, 2019
