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Montreal Canadiens’ Free-Agent Moves

By Lissa Albert

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May 17, 2014; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens general manager

Marc Bergevin

gives a press conference before game one of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the New York Rangers at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports

For now, it looks like Marc Bergevin has done the dealing he had intended to; still left on the checklist is a contract for RFA Alex Galchenyuk, which is said to be in the works.

Some highlights of Bergevin’s press conference, which he opened by thanking Brandon Prust:

Prust was Bergevin’s first signing as a GM and it was, no doubt, a good one.

He addressed the issue of Kassian’s back injury:

The ever-present questions about Galchenyuk’s role as centerman:

And is there something else he wants to do this summer?

Knowing Bergevin, there is always the possibility of a surprise sometime during the summer, or closer to the beginning of pre-season.

(If you’re on Twitter, you know that fans are restless, unhappy, and questioning a man who has only done good things for this team)

But some fans are keeping a cool head and understand the man, and the business:

In fact, Bergevin stated that he is not done:

"Bergevin did confirm, however, that his efforts to improve his lineup certainly aren’t done yet. The free agent period has just begun, so he’ll continue to explore any and all viable options to give his hockey club a chance to take another important step forward next season. Nevertheless, Bergevin insists he’ll also be looking within the fold for additional help, meaning that youngsters like Charles Hudon, Sven Andrighetto or Christian Thomas might just get a chance to strut their stuff with the CH on a consistent basis next year."

He also plans to give prospects like Nikita Scherbak and Memorial Cup winner Michael McCarron their chances to demonstrate their talents leading up to the season. It’s the reason for a draft, it’s the reason for development camp, and Bergevin has a good grip on how the pieces must fall into place.

The Canadiens have depth in prospective players. There are a lot of young, talented prospects coming up very soon. And while right now is a priority, Bergevin has one of the keenest minds in the hockey world today.

Personally, I am hoping he chooses to change the special teams staff; the Habs’ power play needs a lot of work and that isn’t just from last season. And I’m not the only one:

We’ll bring you news as it develops.

Meanwhile, enjoy Mark Barberio’s first NHL goal, scored in January 2014.

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