Bergevin won't adjust roster 'just to make a change' after Canadiens' 0-4 start

October 20, 2021 - 2:30pm

Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin explains why he isn’t going to make any immediate changes to the team as they look for their first win.

Just four games into the 2021-22 campaign, it’s already felt like a long season for the Montreal Canadiens.

After opening the season with four consecutive losses to the Maple Leafs, Sabres, Rangers, and Sharks, nothing seems to be going Montreal’s way. The club has yet to score more than a single goal in a game, and was shut out entirely against San Jose Tuesday night.

Despite obvious struggles throughout the lineup, Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin believes in this group and isn’t about to start changing his roster.

“I don’t feel the need. It has nothing to do with cap space, it has to do with the group we have,” Bergevin said Wednesday during an impromptu media availability. “I do like our team, there are some pretty good hockey players … they are not playing up to their potential. And until they do there’s nothing that I’m gonna do to make a change just to make a change. Change a fourth-line player just to say I’m making a change? I don’t believe in that.”

"Montreal's a different market. The fans are passionate, you guys have your job–We're a team, I'm part of the team, and I thought it was important to address you today with what's happening. Nothing more to it than that."–Marc Bergevin.

— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) October 20, 2021

Heading into this season, it’s been clear that this Montreal club is not the one that ran all the way to the Stanley Cup Final just a few months ago. Among a long list of roster changes, they’re missing the leadership of captain Shea Weber, who’s expected to miss the entire season due to injuries and may never play again. Franchise netminder Carey Price is currently on a personal leave after voluntarily entering the NHL’s player assistance program, and Bergevin announced Wednesday that veteran defenceman Joel Edmundson will also be away from the team for an indeterminate amount of time due to family reasons.

"He hasn't resumed training. He's still in rehab (for injuries)… not anywhere near (resuming training)," says Bergevin about Shea Weber.

— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) October 20, 2021

Marc Bergevin says Shea Weber hasn't had any surgeries since the end of last season. Said he won't be back this year. When asked if he was holding out hope he'd resume his career one day, he said, "it's a longshot."

— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) October 20, 2021

Bergevin dedicated to Canadiens, wants to sign extension

Of all the questions looming over the Canadiens, the status of Bergevin himself might be the biggest. The longtime GM, who’s been at the helm of the club since 2012, is due a new deal but has previously stated that he doesn’t want to negotiate an extension during the season.

He reiterated that on Wednesday, telling reporters he doesn’t want his contract status to be an ongoing topic this year. He did state, additionally, that he “absolutely” wants a new deal with the Canadiens.

Marc Bergevin says he doesn't want to continue talking about his contract situation. Doesn't feel it has anything to do with what's happening with his team and he maintains he's under contract and committed to his job right now.

— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) October 20, 2021

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