Montreal Canadiens: Do Marc Bergevin and Claude Julien get a pass now?

It’s only semantics at that point as they’d be arguing for an extension to the extension of playoff qualification. Regardless, it’s a messy situation and a messy year. One that neither Julien or Bergevin can use as a life vest to survive another season of disappointment.

Fans are already writing off whatever Stanley Cup is won as an asterisk championship, but I believe that’s the only way Julien and Bergevin keep their positions past next year pending another lottery-like performance. If all things played out, as usual, the Montreal Canadiens wouldn’t make the playoffs, again. This odd-ball format to finish the season is far from being solid enough evidence to write off the thought process from ownership.

Both Bergevin and Julien’s contract carry out until the end of the 2021-22 season. At times, having to pay those who are not with the organization any more are reasons to keep them on longer than they should. That said, if the Montreal Canadiens chose to remove them both, they’d only have to pay another year of their salary. It’s possible both could go.

This season can’t be used as a means to further the green light for Bergevin and Julien. The true test is next season. It’ll be up to Bergevin to make moves to improve the roster while it’ll be up to Julien to make sure said roster performs on a nightly basis. Alexander Romanov can’t be the only addition the Montreal Canadiens make this offseason, and it’ll be up to the coaching staff to determine how much he plays.

It’s far from a pass for Marc Bergevin and Claude Julien. The organization needs results and making the playoffs as the last seed of a 24-team tournament isn’t enough.