Conference Call: Marc Bergevin

MONTREAL - General manager Marc Bergevin took some time to chat with reporters on Wednesday.

Bergevin fielded questions on a wide range of topics, including the NHL's Return to Play format, his club's chances during the qualifying round series against the Penguins, and the possibility of seeing prospect Alexander Romanov in action if and when hockey resumes.

Here are a few excerpts from his Q&A session.

Question from Chantal Machabée, RDS

You're participating in a tournament in hopes of making the playoffs, and you'll be facing the Penguins, but at the same time, if you beat the Penguins, you diminish your chances of being in a good position in the Draft Lottery. Is going the furthest you can in the playoffs your top priority?

For sure. It's like on the last day of the regular season, if you have a chance to make the playoffs, would you rather not make it and just enter the Lottery? The goal is to make the playoffs. We consider ourselves lucky to have been included in the Return to Play format based on the system we have in place, and we're going to try and go as far as we can if we can play in July or August.

Question from Marc de Foy, Le Journal de Montréal

You seem to be in favor of the Return to Play tournament. Am I understanding you correctly?

Honestly, I control what I can control. I had no control over the NHL's decision, but I'm sure that Gary Bettman and Bill Daly did everything for the best of the NHL and the future of the League. We'll adapt. I talked to a lot of general managers, and there are things that we like more and things that we like less. But at the end of the day, what Gary said during his press conference, I think it's the best for the NHL as a whole.

Questions from Eric Engels, Rogers Sportsnet

Because you've had a lot of time to look back on the season, or at least the first 71 games of it, what perspective do you have now on your team, not just in terms of what they showed you, but in terms of what they could be moving forward? And how do you feel about what their chances would be in a playoff tournament?

I think our chances are as good as any of the other teams that have been awarded spots in the qualifying round, to be honest with you. It's a short series. Anything is possible. Without putting any pressure on Carey, when you have a goaltender of that quality, anything's possible. We'll see where we are, but I feel confident that if we do get to play against Pittsburgh, we have a chance to beat them.

What's your communication been with your players over this period of rest? Have you conducted exit meetings of sort or given them instructions on what you'd like to see from them moving forward? And do you think of this restart, if it happens, as kind of a fresh page for you guys?

The first contact, I texted all my players throughout the last few months. It was more on a personal basis. Some players have access to gyms. It's been hard, because as we all know, all facilities across the world have been shut down. It's been hard on them to be able to work out. It's getting a little easier now, hopefully, so we'll see what happens.

Question from Jean-Charles Lajoie, TVA Sports

With respect to Alexander Romanov, you waited until the end of the fiscal year in the KHL after April 30 to sign him. The KHL had already cancelled the Gagarin Cup. In principal, there shouldn't be anything holding you back, aside from Bill Daly, from inviting Romanov to training camp and maybe including him on your list of players for the qualifying round. Are you confident that you can convince the League in that regard, and is it something you're hoping to do?

Yes, we'd like Alexander Romanov to participate when things get going again. The decision belongs to the NHL, but also to the NHLPA. It's a delicate situation. Personally, I can't convince anyone. There are rules in place, and there are other teams in the same situation. I hope that we'll have an answer as early as possible regarding Romanov.

Questions from Renaud Lavoie, TVA Sports

I'd like to ask you about your group of 28 skaters that will be participating in the qualifying round. Some general managers already made it known that they might be bringing four goaltenders. I know there's a maximum of 50 people who can accompany a team. Is there a possibility that you'll have more than two goaltenders on your team for the return to play?

There will definitely be more than two goaltenders. You're going to a hub city, and if a goaltender gets injured, you can't allow yourself to go to a hub city with just two goaltenders.

Right now, do you already have a good idea of who your 28 skaters will be?

I have a good idea, but it isn't final. There are some health-related questions that remain about certain youngsters.

Question from John Lu, TSN

Even though the players haven't been able to skate since the pause, are Jonathan Drouin and Victor Mete "cleared" to play?

Jo is cleared to play. As far as Victor, it's unsure because he went back home. He has been doing some rehab, but until our own staff sees him and puts their hands on him, we don't know. But Jo has been in Montreal, so it's easier to give you an answer on him.

Question from Nicolas Cloutier, TVA Sports

You have until June 1 to get prospects Allan McShane, Cole Fonstad and Samuel Houde under contract. I'd like to know if you've made decisions about each one of them? And what's the plan with Rafaël Harvey-Pinard?

The first three you mentioned, a decision was made, and they won't be receiving contract offers. We gave Rafaël Harvey-Pinard his bona fide offer, so he still belongs to us.