Michel Therrien isn’t getting fired. Marc Bergevin said so this morning.
The vote of confidence from Montreal’s general manager came after his head coach’s job security became a hot topic as the Canadiens’ slump extended into January.
Since starting the season 19-4-3, the Habs have won just four times in their last 21 games.
“I’m responsible for everything that happens with this team,” Bergevin told reporters.
#Habs Bergevin: "All the critiques should be directed to me... It's on me, only." Michel Therrien and the players "are not going anywhere."
— John Lu (@JohnLuTSNWpg) January 21, 2016
#Habs Bergevin emphatically states that the entire coaching staff will finish the season in Mtl "regardless (of what happens). It's on me."
— John Lu (@JohnLuTSNWpg) January 21, 2016
Now that the coaching staff’s status has been assured, the big question becomes whether Bergevin will try to improve his roster prior to the Feb. 29 trade deadline.
He doesn’t seem to be interested in any rentals:
Bergevin not looking for a short term fix on trade market. Not willing to sacrifice youth and regret it later...
— Eric Engels (@EricEngels) January 21, 2016
Bergevin’s trade-deadline strategy may also depend on the status of injured netminder Carey Price, who won’t be back until February at the earliest.
“It’s slower than we expected,” Bergevin said of his star goalie’s recovery. “There hasn’t been a setback. I don’t know exactly the date, but I don’t think he will be back (before) three weeks or a month.”
How can you in good conscience spend future assets for a deadline rental without knowing for sure how Price will play in playoffs?
— Arpon Basu (@ArponBasu) January 21, 2016
The Canadiens are back in action Saturday in Toronto.
Related: Therrien was ‘disappointed’ by Habs fans who booed Markov