Big shakeup for Canadiens
MONTREAL — The Canadiens fired general manager Marc Bergevin and two other executives Sunday amid on-ice struggles just months after advancing to the Stanley Cup Final.
The Canadiens announced Bergevin’s dismissal along with those of assistant GM Trevor Timmins and Paul Wilson, senior vice president of public affairs and communications.
“Their relentless work allowed our fans to experience many memorable moments, including last summer’s playoff run that culminated with the Stanley Cup Final,” team owner Geoff Molson said in a statement.
“I think, however, that the time has come for a leadership change that will bring a new vision and should allow our fans and partners to continue cheering for a championship team.”
The Canadiens said former Rangers GM Jeff Gorton will serve as executive vice president of hockey operations as the team searches for a new general manager. Bergevin was in his 10th season as the team’s GM.
“Montreal is the city where I took my first skating strides and it’s also the city where I learned to lead the NHL’s winningest franchise,” Bergevin said in a statement. “This city and this organization will always have a special place in my heart.
“That said, and despite the fact that this journey is coming to an end, I’m proud of the legacy I’m leaving.”
The Canadiens have a 6-15-2 record this season and are ahead of only the Islanders and Senators in the Eastern Conference standings.
Bergevin’s long-term status with the team had been a question since he entered the season on an expiring contract.
Still, this wasn’t the start to the season the Canadiens were expecting as the team went into the campaign fresh off an unexpected run to their first Cup Final appearance since winning it all in 1993.
Backed by the goaltending of Carey Price, the Canadiens came back from a 3-1 deficit to upset the Maple Leafs in the first round of the playoffs. They followed with a sweep of the Jets in the North Division final and a win over the Golden Knights in the conference final before losing to the two-time Stanley Cup champion Lightning in the final.
Instead, the Canadiens had an offseason to forget and started the campaign without Price and captain and defensive stalwart Shea Weber in the lineup.
Price voluntarily entered the joint NHL and NHL Players’ Association’s assistance program during training camp. He has since revealed he entered a residential treatment facility for substance use. Weber, meanwhile, is on the long-term injury reserve list with a foot/ ankle injury and could be out for the entire season.
The challenges started even before that, with Bergevin losing two of his four centers in free agency. Restricted free agent Jesperi Kotkaniemi signed with the Hurricanes and the Canadiens lost unrestricted Phillip Danault to the Kings.
Meanwhile, the Canadiens have had to weather not only Price’s absence but injuries to top backup Jake Allen.