Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin tests positive for COVID-19

The trend of things going from bad to worse for the Montreal Canadiens this fall continues right through the second half of November and into the upcoming weekend. 

Montreal confirmed Friday that general manager Marc Bergevin has tested positive for COVID-19 and, thus, will enter the NHL coronavirus-related protocol. 

"He is being monitored by the Canadiens' medical staff and will follow the protocols set forth by the National Hockey League and the public health authorities," the club added in its brief statement. 

Friday's development essentially guarantees Bergevin won't be permitted to travel with the Canadiens for the upcoming road trip that officially begins with next Wednesday's matchup at the Washington Capitals. Montreal's next home game is scheduled for Nov. 29 against the Vancouver Canucks. 

It's yet another brutal blow for a team that likely can't wait for the start of the winter months if only to hope a change will do it some good. The Canadiens have dropped four straight and seven of their past eight, were crushed by the Pittsburgh Penguins 6-0 at home on Thursday, and sit at 4-13-2 and seventh in the eight-team Atlantic Division ahead of Saturday's game versus the 9-6-1 Nashville Predators.