Marc Bergevin: Second Chance, Vancouver Interest, and NHL GM Shakeup – Latest Updates

The Vancouver Canucks are actively considering Marc Bergevin as a candidate for their vacant general manager position following the dismissal of Patrik Allvin, according to recent reports from Vancouver-based media and NHL insiders.

Bergevin, who most recently served as a senior advisor to the Los Angeles Kings, is expected to leave that role to join the Buffalo Sabres as associate general manager under newly appointed GM Jarmo Kekalainen, multiple reports confirmed in late December 2025. This move would mark his return to a front-office role after being relieved of his duties by the Montreal Canadiens in November 2021, ending a nine-year tenure during which he guided the team to six playoff appearances, including the 2021 Stanley Cup Final.

During his time with the Canadiens, Bergevin orchestrated key transactions that helped maintain Montreal’s competitiveness, most notably the trade of Max Pacioretty to the Vegas Golden Knights in exchange for Nick Suzuki, Tomas Tatar, and a second-round draft pick — a move widely regarded as one of the shrewd in recent NHL history. His prior experience includes serving as director of player personnel for the Chicago Blackhawks when they won the Stanley Cup in 2010, a role that preceded his promotion to assistant general manager.

NHL sources have indicated that Bergevin’s extensive background — spanning 14 years in executive roles, over 1,100 NHL games as a defenseman, and stints with eight different teams — makes him a strong fit for a franchise seeking stability. “He went through the wringer in Montreal and definitely has a lot of connections in the league,” one NHL source told Postmedia, adding that his résumé “looks good” given his track record of guiding the Canadiens to sustained contention.

Kekalainen, who would oversee Bergevin in Buffalo, has publicly endorsed his potential fit, stating, “I know he works hard, he’s a good player evaluator,” and noting that their shared approach to player evaluation — described as “black-and-white” and direct — has facilitated effective collaboration. “I think his track record in Montreal, as far as the trades go, he’s among the best in the league,” Kekalainen added.

The Canucks’ search for a new general manager intensified after relieving Allvin of his duties, with local media in Vancouver beginning to surface Bergevin’s name as a plausible candidate. A journalist based in Vancouver reportedly suggested Bergevin as a logical fit given his Pacific Coast ties — including a stint as a player with the Canucks earlier in his career — and his proven ability to manage high-pressure markets.

While other names have been mentioned in connection with the vacancy, Bergevin’s combination of NHL playing experience, executive acumen, and recent advisory roles with both the Kings and Sabres positions him as a notable option. His potential move to Buffalo as associate GM remains pending official confirmation, but multiple independent reports have corroborated the likelihood of the transition.