Montreal Canadiens: The Curious Case of Marc Bergevin

Like almost every GM in the NHL, Montreal Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin is the target of a lot of hate from his team’s fanbase.

This is “part of the job,” but does Bergevin really deserve all the criticism he receives from his team’s fanbase?

With his contract set to expire following the 2021-22 season, it seems like now’s a good time to take a look at the Montreal Canadiens under Bergevin’s leadership.

Bergevin has been with the Canadiens since 2012, and has had a decade to build a cup-contending team. Under him, the Habs have gone 338-250-79 in the regular season, winning just nine more games than they lost. This is extremely mediocre.

Marc Bergevin and the Montreal Canadiens in the Postseason

The team has made the postseason in six of those nine campaigns (including this season) but hasn’t made it past round one since 2015. Since that season, the team has changed coaches twice, and has finished above fourth in their division only once.

Some of Bergevin’s decisions seem questionable at times. He has a tendency to add veterans to the team, which isn’t a bad thing on its own. Playoff experience and Stanley Cup winner are always good additions to the team when trying to go on a deep playoff run.

But the line should be drawn when there are too many veterans on the roster to the point it’s forcing youngsters out of the lineup, when they are the ones who truly need to play and develop. These youngsters could represent the future of the team, but they need to get enough icetime, which is hard when there are so many veterans who seem like the safer choice.

Is Bergevin’s productive history with veterans going to buy him enough time to watch the youngsters grow? This year’s playoffs may be what decides his fate. After pushing to the cap in 2021, a four-game demolition could spell disaster for the GM’s future. No pressure.