Montreal Canadiens: Bergevin sends clear message in Pacioretty trade

Whether Marc Bergevin gives it a name or not, the Montreal Canadiens are in a point of transition, and the Max Pacioretty trade has brought it to a new level

While most people were fast asleep early Monday morning, Marc Bergevin was hard at work finalizing another trade. The Montreal Canadiens acquired Tomas Tatar, Nick Suzuki and a 2nd round pick in 2019 for Max Pacioretty, and despite the public circus that’s been ongoing, the Habs should be more than satisfied with the return for their former captain.

A mere four seasons ago, Bergevin had Pacioretty, P.K. Subban and Carey Price locked up, and it appeared that this was going to be the core of the Canadiens for the next decade. Price is now the only remaining player of the core three, and it’s very clear that there is a new era of Habs hockey coming. And this one boasts a mantra of no guarantees.

The divorce between Pacioretty and the Canadiens was a public massacre, and neither side came out without blood on them. Pacioretty’s agent, Allan Walsh is one of the toughest negotiators in the National Hockey League, but that didn’t stop Bergevin from playing hardball too.

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Both parties can now breathe a sigh of relief. Although it appears Bergevin might be a little happier than the Pacioretty camp. The 29-year-old was clearly looking for a life-changing contract, and although $28 million over four years is nothing to sniff at, he was evidently looking for more term. The good thing for Pacioretty is that if he continues to be a productive top-six forward, he’ll have a chance to cash in again after this deal expires.

Bergevin’s perspective might be a little different from Pacioretty’s. His intention, when it became clear that there wouldn’t be a long-term romance between the parties was to acquire a roster player that could help in the present and a future aspect that could potentially replace his output down the road.

Tatar provides an interesting option in the Canadiens top-six, and it’s likely that the pure goal-scorer will be at his best with a playmaker by his side. That’s where Max Domi and Jonathan Drouin come into play. Whichever line Tatar is first placed on, it’s a good bet you’re going to find a play maker tagged along with him.

The Montreal Canadiens would be best suited to give Tatar ample opportunity to prove himself in a season where expectations are at an all-time low. If Tatar produces, the Canadiens may even be able to find a taker at the trade deadline.

The real prize for the Canadiens in this deal is Suzuki. He provides a skill set that the Canadiens have been lacking, combining for 87 goals over the past two OHL seasons. His unique creativity and elite stick handling provide him different entry ways to drive the net, which is interesting considering his smaller frame.

Suzuki still needs to add some muscle and work on his foot speed, but there’s little doubt that this kid is a blue-chip prospect, and a great get by Bergevin. Suzuki will likely battle for a spot with the big club this year, but with so many one-way contracts, it won’t surprise anyone if he’s back with Owen Sound and playing a key role for Canada at the World Junior Championship.

Even if Bergevin isn’t ready to call this a rebuild, and he may be right, with the likes of Price and Shea Weber still locked up, it’s clear that after dealing Pacioretty, this club is headed in a direction that it hasn’t been a part of for a long time. And that’s a good thing.