Marc Bergevin is seen as a genius thanks to this incredible transaction

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MarcO
June 3, 2023 (9:17)

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During his tenure in Montreal, Marc Bergevin faced many criticisms for his inability to add impactful players at the trade deadline to help the Canadiens make a playoff push.

However, on September 10, 2018, the former general manager of the Habs made a major trade that completely changed the face of the organization. Indeed, Bergevin acquired Nick Suzuki, Tomas Tatar, and a second-round pick in return for Max Pacioretty.

Although this trade may have seemed risky at the time, as Suzuki had not yet played a single NHL game, it paved the way for the rebuild we are witnessing with the Habs today.

The Canadiens got their hands on an extremely promising young center who quickly became a cornerstone for the Blue-White-Red. Since joining the team, the 23-year-old captain has collected 209 points in 291 games and will undoubtedly be a key element of the Habs' success in the coming years.

As for Max Pacioretty, he scored 194 points in 224 games, but was unable to play a full season due to his many injuries. After four seasons with the Golden Knights, the 34-year-old forward was finally traded for future considerations to the Carolina Hurricanes where he has only played five games this season.

The general manager of the Canes, Don Waddell, notably mentioned in a press conference that Pacioretty's future was uncertain, as he was still dealing with a nasty Achilles tendon injury.

"He has had to go through a lot and we don't know what the future holds for him. I don't even know when he'll be able to play. He still has a long way to go in his treatments and rehab. We need to make sure not to bet on something that might not be there."

We owe a huge thanks to Marc Bergevin for this monster trade that will have a positive impact on the Canadiens for many more seasons. At only 23, Nick Suzuki continues to improve and there's no doubt that he'll become a leading center in the NHL for many years, while Max Pacioretty's career may already be compromised.

Do you think this is the best trade Marc Bergevin made during his tenure as general manager of the Habs?