I didn't want to start a new GM thread since it isn't so hot of a topic. But I wanted to talk about what Bergevin has done since last year's humiliating playoff defeat.
He overhauled the defense through free agency. He acquired a #1 centre, and signed him long term. A guy who wanted to play in Montreal.
He acquired AHL vets Froese and Taormina to help his farm team develop. Froese even surpassed McCarron and Mitchell to get a look.
His training camp roster had several warts.
He traded Redmond, a d-man who wasn't going to make the team, for a forward Deslauriers, who is playing every night, with pride. He traded one of his bad acquisitions from last year, who would have been a vet on the Rocket competing with other vets who were on the roster for playing time.
He gave young bubble players, Hudon and DeLaRose room to grow and contribute.
He bought out his unnecessary signing Streit, and lost Hemsky within 10 games, predictably.
The team survived, struggled early to find chemistry, and suffered from inconsistency from several players, including Carey.
Injuries have been persistent and notable, but the team had navigated them. Lindgren won big games, even waiver trash Niemi earned the team a point.
Players coming back, with Jerabek's emergence have the defense improving.
You could see a defense of
Mete-Weber
Alzner-Petry
Schlemko-Jerabek
With Morrow and Benn as reserves
And that does not look so weak anymore in front of good goaltending.
The forward group is gelling.
Special teams still need work, and synchronization, but that may come with chemistry. Jerabek could be a PP asset if he gets a chance. I honestly believe Plekanec should be an early contender for Selke nomination, though the sports writers avoid his type and the market for that type of award.
The trade for Cracknell probably spells the end for Froese in Montreal. With a healthy Lehkonen, I'd expect to see a 4th line of Deslauriers-DeLaRose-Lehkonen, with Cracknell able to supplant DeLaRose or Deslauriers. Carr is pushing for a spot. Sherbak is knocking on the door.
Now hopefully Bergevin does not make the same mistake as last year of patching his lineup with character, that hindered talent. The holes on this team are greatly exaggerated. I think the top priority is to increase centre depth. Perhaps not imminently, but also not reactionary, or too late. Mc Carron is likely available for the right price.
With the possibility of both Poehling and Bitten joining the Rocket next year, I think he has the room to exchange one of his 2nds for sure.
Players that may come available at that price or less include Hanzal, Spezza, Strome, Filppula, Vermette, Zach Smith. I think Max Domi may command more but he may have a price too. As of now, Bergevin, with the team's resurgence doesn't need to hit the panic button.
I am not nominating him for GM of the year, I think McPhee, Poile, and Shero are the contenders, but I think there can be some positive things said about the moves he has made this year, and leading into this year. Not too positive though, always good to have fan pressure,
