Three years have passed since Marc Bergevin parted ways with the Montreal Canadiens, a move that sent waves through the hockey community. After nearly a decade as the team's general manager, he vanished from the public eye, quietly taking on a significant role with the Los Angeles Kings as a senior advisor.

For Bergevin, the drastic shift from the relentless scrutiny as the Canadiens' GM to a more low-key existence in Redondo Beach, California has been a welcome change. “I have no regrets about my time in Montreal,” he shared in a recent interview with The Athletic. “It was a great nine and a half years filled with positive memories. But the pressure in Montreal is intense. Here, I can stroll into Starbucks without anyone recognizing me.”

The Burden of Leadership

In the aftermath of the Canadiens' unexpected run to the 2021 Stanley Cup Final, which ultimately ended in loss against the Tampa Bay Lightning, Bergevin faced a crossroads. Shortly after that season, he declined an extension offered by Canadiens owner Geoff Molson, sensing it was time to part ways. “COVID had taken a toll on me—mentally, not physically,” he explained. “I hadn’t seen my kids for nearly a year due to quarantine rules.”

Though aware that a shake-up was inevitable, his dismissal after a poor start to the following season was still shocking. “You prepare for it, but it’s still a surprise,” he admitted.

The pressures of the job had visibly changed him, chipping away at his once buoyant personality. “You’re more on guard because you feel like you’re under constant scrutiny,” he stated.

Trade Strategies and Key Decisions

Reflecting on his tenure, Bergevin noted that many of his trades, while not headline-grabbing, were integral to the team's success. He recalled the importance of making strategic, smaller trades, like acquiring Marco Scandella and Phillip Danault, which were crucial to the team's depth and performance.

Yet, not all decisions landed in the win column. Bergevin expressed remorse over the notorious offer sheet to Sebastian Aho in 2019, wishing he had crafted a different proposal. This contentious move led to heated rivalry dynamics between Montreal and Carolina, exemplifying how one decision can set off ripples across the league.

The Canadiens' controversial selection of Logan Mailloux in the 2021 draft was another sore spot from Bergevin's administration. Despite the backlash due to Mailloux's prior legal issues, he stands by the choice, emphasizing that the organization saw potential in the player.

Looking Forward: A New Chapter with the Kings

Today, at the Los Angeles Kings, Bergevin is focused on evaluating talent and contributing to team discussions behind the scenes. His relationships with Kings management, including GM Rob Blake and president Luc Robitaille, provide a comforting environment as he continues to contribute to the sport in a different capacity.

“I’ve been involved in three GM interviews since leaving Montreal, but I’m truly enjoying my current role,” Bergevin remarked. Although he remains open to future opportunities, he's equally content continuing his advisory work, staying connected to the game.

As he reflects on his time with the Canadiens, Bergevin expresses nothing but gratitude for his experiences and the relationships he built. “I wish the best for the Canadiens. They have a passionate fanbase and are in good hands with Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton.”

As for what lies ahead, Bergevin is clear: "I've never stopped working. Whether I become a GM again is uncertain, but I'm ready for whatever comes next."

The future remains bright for Bergevin, whether it’s within the Kings organization or perhaps in another capacity in the NHL.