The Montreal Canadiens have just announced that GM Marc Bergevin has been relieved of his duties. Bringing to an end the Bergevin era in Montreal. Following a 6-15-2 start to the season, The Canadiens know they need to start fresh as this season looks like another write-off.
The Canadiens have also relieved assistant GM Trevor Timmins and Senior Vice President of Affairs and Communications, Paul Wilson, of their duties. The process to recruit the team's next GM is under way, the team announced.
"On behalf of myself and the organization, I wish to thank Marc Bergevin, Trevor Timmins, and Paul Wilson for their passion and engagement towards our Club over the last years,"
said Owner and President Geoff Molson.
"Their relentless work allowed our fans to experience many memorable moments, including last summer's playoff run that culminated with the Stanley Cup Final. We wish them all the success they deserve in the pursuit of their careers. I think, however, that the time has come for a leadership change within our hockey operations department that will bring a new vision and should allow our fans and partners to continue cheering for a championship team."
Jeff Gorton has been hired as the club's newest Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations.
Gorton was previously the GM of the New York Rangers from 2015-2021 until being replaced in May following another disappointing season in Rangers hockey.
Bergevin was in the final year of his contract with the Canadiens, which was signed in November of 2015. The Canadiens ownership made an extensive offer to Marc Bergevin back in July, but both sides could not agree to terms.
Bergevin took over as the team’s GM in the spring of 2012.
Hopefully this will be the shake-up that the Canadiens need in order to guide their ship back on the right path.
The Canadiens advanced to the Stanley Cup Final last season under Bergevin, but fell short in 5-games to the previous reigning cup champions; the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Montreal had a respectable 344-265-81 record in 10 seasons with Bergevin at the helm.
Who will take over the GM position of this struggling Canadiens team? There are a lot of teams now looking to make management changes due to their poor start to the season. Such as the New York Islanders and the Vancouver Canucks.
