It’s the last day of the regular season for the Montreal Canadiens and the eve of Operation Master Plan by general manager Marc Bergevin.
If you woke up this morning, checked the Montreal Canadiens schedule and the first word that came to mind was, ‘finally,’ you’re in the majority. It’s been months of frustration, disappointment, and few shining lights for the Habs this season, and after today, it all comes to an end. Now fans have the start of Marc Bergevin‘s master offseason plan to look forward to.
The appeal in the general manager’s blueprints comes from the fact that it’s a mystery. Reporters and other members of the media have tried to find out what Bergevin has in store for the Montreal Canadiens, but he’s done well to keep it a secret. Geoff Molson is in the same boat as the only thing he revealed was that there would be evaluations from top to bottom within the organization.
For the majority of the year, the spotlight has been on the players. Bounce back years from Brendan Gallagher and Tomas Plekanec, a high-impact debut from Jonathan Drouin, shutdown defence from free agent Karl Alzner, and much more. Gallagher was the only one to truly rise to the challenge while the rest struggled (some more than others).
The eyes now turn to Bergevin. What changes will be made, if any? Who stays and who goes? Perhaps the first firecracker to go off is the head coach of the Laval Rocket in Sylvain Lefebvre. It obviously hasn’t been working, and with development becoming a new focus, getting a new face in there may do the trick.
Stay tuned to Sunday morning, but for now, let’s see how the Montreal Canadiens choose to end their season.
Next: Hope and Opportunity to the Undrafted
Morning Links
Time is running out on Michael McCarron as waiver eligibility looms
After this season, assuming the Montreal Canadiens extend him, Michael McCarron will require waivers to be sent down to the AHL if required. That could be a problem next year if they feel he still needs more time with the Laval Rocket.
Canadiens’ future rides on Carey Price rebound
Any potential rebound next season begins and ends with Carey Price. The team around him has to be better, but the 30-year-old playing at his best is what will propel them to much better heights.
A Player’s Tribune article by former Habs goaltender Ken Dryden on the importance of protecting current and future players in the NHL from headshots.