Michel Therrien is getting a chance to turn things around in Montreal.
At the end of a disappointing season marred by an injury to star goaltender Carey Price, Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin confirmed the head coach's retention at a press conference Monday.
"Michel (Therrien) will be behind the bench on opening night," he declared.
On top of that, Bergevin will not be looking to trade P.K. Subban this summer.
"My intention is not to trade @PKSubban1. He's a very big part of this team and an elite defenseman." - Marc Bergevin
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) April 11, 2016
Note Bergevin stopped short of guaranteeing Subban, whose no-movement clause kicks in July 1, won't be traded.
Still, it's a clear signal Bergevin wants to at least evaluate the situation with Price back in net, thereby staying the course for the time being.
"Even when things weren't going well, I wasn't ready to change everything around and panic," he said. "When you lose your top goalie or top player, it's not easy to overcome."
Bergevin later added, "I believe with a healthy Carey Price we are not sitting here today."
Montreal jumped out to a 9-0-0 start this season, and despite some initially solid play from Mike Condon after Price fell to injury, the wheels eventually fell off, dropping Montreal to 22nd in the overall standings.
Finally, Bergevin himself was given a vote of confidence from ownership.
"Marc Bergevin is the best person for the job and to improve the team, even if we've been going through tough times." - @GMolsonCHC
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) April 11, 2016
How long this patience will last if Montreal stumbles out of the gate next season remains to be seen.
