Montreal Canadiens: Is a Busy Offseason on the Horizon for Marc Bergevin?

Going Into Tomas Tatar’s Contract Year

Tomas Tatar, like Max Domi, did not have the best playoffs. In 10 games played on the top, Tatar had 2 goals to show for it, and Marc Bergevin took notice, saying that:

"We’re not hiding from the fact that Tuna (Tatar) had a difficult playoffs, but it’s not out of the question that he continues to be a good player for us."

Tatar is coming off a career year where he recorded 61 points (22 goals, 39 assists) in 68 games played, leading all Montreal Canadiens players in points. Initially, the throw-in piece of the Nick Suzuki trade that sent Max Pacioretty to the Vegas Golden Knights, Tatar, has proven himself as an important piece for the Canadiens.

However, unlike Nick Suzuki, Tomas Tatar is more than likely expendable piece and going into the final year of his contract, Tatar will be expecting a raise that may have to be spent elsewhere with Jeff Petry, Brendan Gallagher, Philip Danault and Jesperi Kotkaniemi also needing new deals.

Tatar is a valuable asset to the Canadiens team but further reaping benefits from the Nick Suzuki trade may be plausible if Tatar is moved to bring in pieces that are beneficial for the Canadiens in the long term, should they go that route.

The same can be said for Max Domi as Marc Bergevin may have the pieces necessary to try and acquire a top-defenceman, another need in the organization, barring a good rookie year from Alexander Romanov.

Reasons for Optimism but Changes May be Made

The Montreal Canadiens surprised many when they upset the Pittsburgh Penguins and brought their series against the Philadelphia Flyers to six games, but the reality is that work will still need to be done to ensure Canadiens find their way back to the postseason.