Elliotte Friedman reported on Saturday night that the Buffalo Sabres have hired former Montreal Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin as their next associate GM. This comes just hours after the Sabres announced they had decided to relieve Jason Karmanos of his duties.
Bergevin was most recently working with the Los Angeles Kings. Bergevin was named senior adviser in January of 2022.
After retiring from the NHL, Bergevin transitioned smoothly into management, working in Chicago before becoming general manager of the Montreal Canadiens in 2012. Bold trades marked his tenure in Montreal, as did polarizing decisions.
In November of 2021, the Canadiens announced a major shakeup in hockey operations, relieving Bergevin, assistant GM Trevor Timmins, and senior VP Paul Wilson of their duties. Former Rangers GM Jeff Gorton was hired as Executive VP of Hockey Operations and will oversee the department while a search for a new GM begins. Bergevin, in the final year of his contract.
Someone with a reputation for taking risks is perhaps what the Sabres need right now, given that the team has remained stagnant in mediocrity, often sinking to the basement of the standings.
Bergevin’s teams experienced sharp highs and frustrating lows, including a surprising run to the 2021 Stanley Cup Final, before his dismissal later that year.
More to come…
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