Bergevin said Vegas GM George McPhee was reluctant to give up Suzuki for fear of potentially getting burned like he did in the Filip Forsberg trade.
McPhee was GM of the Washington Capitals when they traded Forsberg and a first-round pick in the 2012 NHL Draft to the Nashville Predators on April 3, 2013, for forward Martin Erat, then 32, and forward prospect Michael Latta. Erat, who had 481 points (163 goals, 318 points) in 723 games for the Predators, had 27 points (two goals, 25 assists) in 62 games for the Capitals. Latta had 17 points (four goals, 13 assists) in 113 games for Washington. Forsberg has 255 points (117 goals, 138 assists) in 331 games for the Predators, who feel the 24-year-old forward has yet to reach his ceiling.
That the Canadiens got Suzuki should be viewed as a positive by Montreal fans, considering Bergevin had little leverage in the Pacioretty situation.
Pacioretty, 29, who could have become an unrestricted free agent July 1, 2019, said on Sept. 6 he would not negotiate a long-term contract with the Canadiens once the regular season started.