Last summer, the Canadian faced a problem of wealth: he had too many centers for his first two lines. Except that Phillip Danault is gone. Jesperi Kotkaniemi too. Their replacements failed to live up to expectations.
Posted at 7:45 a.m.
Today, the Habs’ center line is one of the weakest in the National League. Despite all his offensive talent, Nick Suzuki finished the season with the worst differential (-29) of any center on the league. Christian Dvorak (- 19) follows, not far behind. Unsurprisingly, Kent Hughes wants to strengthen the team in this position.
The challenge ?
Good centers are as hard to find as a magnolia already in bloom this spring.
“We believe the center position is the most important,” Hughes said Saturday. “At least among the forwards. We will continue to evaluate the options to improve. But I have always said, as an agent, that it is very difficult to find center players. Some have not yet signed [de contrat] for next year. Is this an option for us? We’ll see. Several things will have to happen. For the moment, we don’t necessarily have the payroll to attract someone. There is also the repechage. If we pick up a center player, that could change things. »
Among the centers that will get their full autonomy in a few weeks, there are several quality players. Evgeny Malkin. Nazem Kadri. Andrew Cop. Vincent Trocheck. Claude Giroux is capable of playing as a pivot, too. But there is one candidate more intriguing than the others. A center who has produced more points than all the Canadiens players this season, who excels defensively and who has just won the Mark-Messier trophy because of his exemplary leadership.
In addition, he is from Quebec. Even better, he was until recently a client of Kent Hughes.
Who is that ?
Patrick Bergeron.
Hey, ho, don’t throw all your darts at me at once. I know very well that Patrice Bergeron grew up in the Quebec region and that he was a die-hard Nordiques fan. I also know that Boston Bruins players don’t go to the Canadiens, and vice versa. I know all that. Except that in the history of sport, there is no surprise.
Stéphane Quintal, drafted in the first round by the Bruins, ended his career with the Habs. Conversely, Mats Näslund, he retired in the black and yellow uniform of the Bruins. Guy Lafleur played for the Nordiques. Ronaldo and Figo defended the honor of FC Barcelona and Real Madrid. Worse still: Johnny Damon and Jacoby Ellsbury left the Boston Red Sox for the New York Yankees as free agents. Sometimes, with a little money, the impossible becomes a little more possible…
Unfortunately, money is a big problem for the Canadian. To acquire new players, Kent Hughes will have to give up a big contract. It will be difficult to trade Carey Price, Jeff Petry or Brendan Gallagher. Christian Dvorak? It’s more realistic.
If the Canadian manages to make some space under the salary cap, he could be in the fight to offer a three-year contract to Patrice Bergeron.
Yes, that’s a lot of years for a player who will turn 37 this summer. Yes, a regression is inevitable. And yes, it would take him a golden bridge to convince him to continue his career in Montreal, with a low ranking club. On the other hand, for the Canadian, the advantages would far outweigh the disadvantages.
The presence of Bergeron in the lineup would reduce the heat around Nick Suzuki, who, facing the best opposing lines, sees his differential drop like the temperature in Iqaluit in January. According to Evolving Hockey, Bergeron has been the best defensive forward in the NHL this season. He was also the NHL’s leading center in faceoffs (62%). The club’s hopefuls would certainly benefit from his teachings.
PHOTO WINSLOW TOWNSON, USA TODAY SPORTS ARCHIVES
Patrice Bergeron excelled this year in the face-off circle, winning 62% of his duels.
But above all, Bergeron is an exceptional leader. He is the ideal player to help the young people of the organization get through a transition period that promises to be difficult.
His teammate Jake DeBrusk once compared him to the show’s valiant warrior Jon Snow. Game Of Thrones who always puts the interests of his group before his own. A comparison that Bergeron had appreciated. ” I like this ! I think Jon Snow is brilliant. He was there for the whole series. He is the main character of the show. He thinks of people first. He does everything well, ”he told me before the Stanley Cup final in 2019.
A few weeks ago, Brad Marchand explained to local media how Bergeron exercises his leadership in the locker room.
He brings a lot to the team, on and off the ice. He is in control in the locker room and on the players’ bench. He is able to have the pulse of the players. To know how the guys feel on the ice. He knows how to approach them.
Brad Marchand, about Patrice Bergeron
Their teammate David Pastrnak told a funny anecdote about it recently on the podcast Spittin’ Chiclets.
” [Brad] and me, we love each other. But sometimes, on the ice rink, we shout one after the other. Once Bergeron was sitting between us. Marchy and I had been reviving for 30 seconds. Bergy launched: “Enough!” And there was silence. Absolute silence. We didn’t say a word until our next appearance. It was amazing. I consider myself lucky to be his line partner, and to be able to learn from him every day. »
Another advantage of hiring Bergeron this summer?
His retirement is approaching. He has not ruled out taking it this summer. If he decides to pursue his career, and he does so in Montreal, the Canadiens will be in a better position in two or three years to recruit him to their management team.
So, is this a realistic scenario?
There are enough ifs to bottle Paris, London, New York and Tokyo. If you do not try you will not succeed. It’s worth a try.