For one I never saw the attraction to this guy or the animosity and bad feelings he aroused in so many. Yes he is a very knowledgeable and opinionated hockey analyst but he's never been an NHL general manager. Most likely he never will be unless a very close friend becomes a team president or he starts chumming with an old fashioned 'baron' owner like Snyder or Leonsis.
There I go again, much as the Montreal chattering class did, talking about the runner up rather than the selection. Marc Bergevin is well known to insiders and most fans (he did play 20 years after all) as a steady defenceman and has had a meteoric rise through the management ranks since he retired.
"Raised" by Rick Dudley (now a scout with the Make-me Laffs), Bergie is returning the favour with a job offer to the carpeted one.
I was never ever a fan of Dudley the GM and would point to his failures in Florida as a cautionary tale. But Bergevin likes him, is indebted to him and maybe if Rico is kept on a short leash and doesn't demonstrate the Peter Principle he will be okay. Difficult for one guy to wreck the whole show (unless his name is Gainey or Gauthier or Martin).
Thankfully Marco B is a strong believer in the idea that the Canadiens should return to their identity as Quebec's team and scouting (and drafting) Quebecois players should take if not a priority then at least more importance to the CH. Serge had mentioned this as well as the GM and coach being able to speak French and Bergevin has reiterated that political correctness. No reason for the separatistes to squawk, at least over that aspect of the team. Now back to the picket line you twits.
Bergevin was nervous at his introduction and his poor English shocked me. Since then he has been more relaxed but I continue to be surprised a gars who played two decades in the NHL can't speak English much better than that. Unlike French Canadians however, all I care about is winning. If they had hired somebody who was unilingual French but the second coming of Sam Pollock the dynasties would soothe my Angryphone bitterness.
Because all that matters is winning. Bonne chance dans notre cirque sans pareil Marc. "They love you win or tie." I think Larry Robinson said that. Hint hint.
