With two of his top six defensemen sidelined for at least two months, Bob Gainey made a move today to add defensive depth by signing Marc-Andre Bergeron.
While many would have preferred to see how Yannick Weber and Mathieu Carle could contribute, Gainey decided to act. Given the options that were being floated, this seems like a good move.
Some fans were hoping that Gainey would made a trade involving Jaroslav Halak and prospects like P.K. Subban to bring in a big name like Brian Campbell. Acquiring Campbell would create cap problems once Andrei Markov returns to the lineup. Campbell has seven years remaining on his contract at $7.1 million per season.
Other media-suggested solutions like Patrice Brisebois, Denis Gauthier and Mathieu Dandenault were just silly talk from the usual sources.
Bergeron, who played with the Minnesota Wild last season, is an under-sized power-play specialist who remained unsigned when the season started. It’s unclear what to expect from Bergeron, a defenseman who couldn’t crack the Wild lineup with defenseman like Nick Schultz, John Scott, Greg Zanon and Jamie Sifers.
It’s also hard to understand what Bergeron can bring to the Canadiens beyond what Weber will provide. However, if Gainey added Bergeron for insurance, then it’s hard to argue with the decision. Bergeron, who earned $1.7 million last season, signed a one year contract at $750,000.
Bergeron, who spent the summer rehabbing from April back surgery, will spend some conditioning time with the Bulldogs in Hamilton before joining the Canadiens.
from RDS (translated)
RDS has received confirmation that the Montreal Canadiens have given a one-year contract worth $ 750 000 in Quebec and advocate free agent Marc-Andre Bergeron to fill the loss of Andrei Markov and Ryan O’Byrne .
The Habs were looking for reinforcements at the blue line as Markov absent for a period of four months while O’Byrne will be the key for a few weeks.
Bergeron will report to the Hamilton Bulldogs in a few days before beginning his stint with the Canadiens.
Last year, Bergeron played 72 games with the Minnesota Wild. He scored 14 goals and 18 assists, while maintaining a +5. Seven of his 14 goals were scored on the powerplay.
During his career, who turns 29 October 13 has also played for the Edmonton Oilers, the New York Islanders and Anaheim Ducks. He has amassed a total of 160 points in 339 games.
