What they said: Geoff Molson and Marc Bergevin
The Canadiens' brass recap their 2017-18 season from Brossard
Opening statements from Geoff Molson and Marc Bergevin:
GM: "It goes without saying that I am, we are, all extremely disappointed with our season. When things go badly, we have a legitimate opportunity to re-evaluate everything we do with the objective of starting next season better and building for a more promising future. The status quo is not acceptable. We are the NHL's most storied franchise, and we owe it to our fans to achieve the standards of excellence that they expect. We need to bring back the winning culture that we did not see this season. If I could leave our fans with one message today, it is that we will get better on and off the ice. On the ice, changes will be required and we intend to look at all areas with a view to improve. Off the ice, we'll be improving our communications to the fans across all areas of the organization, and also, when you come to the Bell Centre next season, your fan experience will be different and improved in several key areas. Last but not least, I'd like to thank our fans. Thank you for sticking with your Canadiens and showing your support throughout a very difficult season."
MB: "It was a disappointing season from start to finish and it was unacceptable. The overall attitude of our team needs to change. We will do a complete assessment of the hockey operations, and as the general manager I take my share of responsibility for the season, and we're all in this together."
Bergevin on the attitude of the team:
MB: "I honestly believe it's the team attitude that has to be a lot better, and we won't be in the same spot today next year. It's not going to happen."
"I don't think it was a problem all along. Prior to this year, we were among the Top 10 in the League as far as playoffs, wins, all that. We had a good run. Obviously, we didn't achieve the ultimate goal and I'm aware of that. That's my job to do. But every year is different. Two years ago, when we missed the playoffs, we lost Carey and it was totally different. It was a different [disappointment]. We had a great start, we lost Carey, we weren't ready mentally to fill that void. I remember Mike Condon was in net and he was a rookie. We got exposed. This year, the attitude was totally different. Every year is different, every situation is different. It's not the same, but it needs to be addressed once and for all."
Molson on the return of Bergevin as GM:
GM: "Marc and I spend a lot of time together talking about the season, the previous season, and future seasons. I'm very confident that with all the changes that we have to make, I have the right person in place to address the opportunities we have - and I have no doubt about that. He's someone who works well with other GMs. He's someone who works very well internally with other teams. Even if there are changes coming, having Marc in charge of turning the page and bringing us to a better place, it's the right choice."
Molson on Montreal being attractive to free agents:
GM: "Yes, it's been a difficult season, and we will overcome it. There will be changes. But, let's not forget that this is one of the best places in the world to play hockey and we have the best fans in the world, we have the best media coverage in the world. This is one of the prime places to play hockey around the world."
Molson on the Canadiens operating under the salary cap all season long:
GM: "When you go into a planned season with a salary cap, and you plan to sign certain players… As you know, we weren't successful to sign two players we tried very hard to sign in Radulov and Markov. Once you don't get those players, you don't just go and spend it for the sake of spending it. You have to look for an opportunity to spend it. For me, to talk to my fans, they've got my commitment that I'm going to spend every dollar possible to win. That's the way we operate in this business... No stone is left unturned. No dollar is left unspent that's going to make us a better hockey team."
Bergevin on Max Pacioretty:
MB: "As far as rumors, they've been going on for a while that he was going to get moved at the deadline, but he didn't get moved. I'm not going to answer rumors."
Bergevin on Carey Price:
MB: "Carey wasn't good this year. Let's not sugarcoat anything. He's the first one to admit it. But, if you take the last five years, including this year, Carey Price has the highest save percentage of any goalie in the League who's played over 200 games. My point is, looking ahead, we need Carey to be back where he is. If Carey is back to just what he can be, what he's been doing, we're already a better team. I believe you build from the goal line out. A lot of GMs will tell you that, and it starts with Carey. We had an exit meeting with Carey. He knows, he's aware, he knows he needs to be better - from day one."
Molson on bringing about change going forward:
GM:"I think attitude is certainly a part of it, but the real message is, we weren't good enough, we have to get better, and changes are coming so that we can get better. That's the real message. Our best players weren't at their best this year. Whether it's that they don't fit anymore, or they fit and they can be better, or if a change of attitude is required… all of these things are part of the equation, but everyone needs to be better next year. It's not just the players, it's everyone in the whole organization. Marc and I are completely aligned in this. The time is now, and we have to get better."
