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Montreal Canadiens: Marc Bergevin may have had his leash shortened

By Omar L |
MONTREAL, QC - NOVEMBER 17: President and owner of the Montreal Canadiens Geoff Molson takes part in the discussion at the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal Luncheon during the NHL Centennial 100 Celebration at Hotel Bonaventure on November 17, 2017 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/NHLI via Getty Images)
MONTREAL, QC - NOVEMBER 17: President and owner of the Montreal Canadiens Geoff Molson takes part in the discussion at the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal Luncheon during the NHL Centennial 100 Celebration at Hotel Bonaventure on November 17, 2017 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/NHLI via Getty Images)

Although many are expecting the Montreal Canadiens to make a big splash at the upcoming deadline, the only moves from them may continue to be minor ones.

The talk around the Montreal Canadiens and the Trade Deadline has been similar to how Deadline TV event itself is advertised. There are the main names who could be moved in Max Pacioretty, Tomas Plekanec, and Alex Galchenyuk – who is apparently still an option – and the various small deals that may happen. It’s safe to say that the expectation level for further moves is high.

But that’s not really new. The Habs are always thought to be one of the teams to make a splash at the deadline, but choose to go for the safer route. Think back to last season where names such as Matt Duchene were kicking around. Instead of adding some goal-scoring for the playoffs, the Habs got Steve Ott, Dwight King, and Andreas Martinsen.

This year is no different. Many hope Montreal is active, but this time on the selling side of things. However, expectations may have to be brought down ahead of Monday’s deadline. George Laraque mentioned on 91.9 yesterday that apparently, Geoff Molson has told Marc Bergevin that any big name trades are off the table.

Now bear with me for a second, say this is 100% true, is Molson wrong to do this? Plekanec will probably fetch the Habs a second or third-round pick if management gets his way, but the Pacioretty will get the biggest return. That’s where you’re getting your high picks and coveted prospects to turn the page towards the future.

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As much as analysts report that Bergevin has his price for Pacioretty and he won’t move away from it, the desperation monkey on his shoulder may force something. Especially if the general manager believes that his job may be on the line.

Waiting to trade the 29-year-old until the draft or later in the off-season always seemed like the safer option though. There is a lot of competition out there in the wingers market even, if Pacioretty’s contract makes him look better. I’m sure teams will call the Habs in hopes of having him for two Stanely Cup runs if they’re at that point, but does management say “no, we’ll talk later” to all offers?

That’ll be an interesting dynamic if Molson actually is laying down the hammer on Bergevin.

Next: Addison is Nearing a Return

Do you believe Molson is cracking down on Bergevin? Is that the right move? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

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