Everyone has to admire the honesty in Marc Bergevin. Most prognositcators had pegged the 2013-14 version of the Montreal Canadiens to miss the playoffs. The reasons behind these “experts” predictions consisted mostly of the same old tired analysis. They were too small up front, they lacked depth on the blueline and they could not score without the man advantage. Despite these gloomy forecasts, this squad, came within two wins of reaching the Stanley Cup Finals.

Rather than pat himself on the back for a job well done, the General Manager has surged forward. Bergevin acknowledged how proud he was of what his group accomplished this year, but he was quick to point out that there is absolutely no room for complacency in today’s National Hockey League. With parity at an all-time high it would be totally naïve for Bergevin to suggest his club is amongst the elite based on their Conference Finals appearance this year. Instead, the goal, as always, will be to make the playoffs in 2014-15. As we all know, once a team qualifies for the playoffs, anything can happen.

As Montreal enter the third year of Bergevin’s tenure at the helm, fans are gradually seeing a transformation take place within this organization. For years, the biggest knock against this team was the lack of size. It is still an issue to some extent. This was evident in the series versus the Rangers, which the Canadiens ultimately lost in six games. The Rangers basically beat the Canadiens at their own game. They used their speed on the forecheck, played strong defensively and relied on great goaltending from Henrik Lundqvist. It didn’t hurt that Chris Kreider “lost his balance” and took out Carey Price for the remainder of the playoffs, but many digress. As the series wore on, it was painstakingly clear that the size advantage held by the Rangers was wearing on the Canadiens. The Habs had used their speed to get by the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Boston Bruins, but the New York Rangers were a different animal. They could hit and skate. This is the style of hockey conducive to success in today’s NHL. Look no further than the Los Angeles Kings and Chicago Blackhawks if proof is needed.

The challenge for Bergevin and the Habs lies in taking the next step to reach the upper echelon. The playoff run this year showed that the potential is there. Many of the key components are in place. The head coach Michel Therrien has already be re-signed to a new four-year deal. The Canadiens will have to replace a valuable assistant in Gerard Gallant who accepted the head coaching vacancy in Florida. Gallant was a calming presence in the Habs locker room under the fiery Therrien, and he will be missed.

The 2014 NHL Entry Draft ensures that business is about to pick up. The Draft is followed by “costless agent frenzy”, which fittingly enough, falls on Canada Day, July 1st. Only in Canada, would hockey fans be glued to their televisions on a hot summer day, hoping to see their favorite team make the acquisitions needed to get them to the Holy Grail. There is no question that the wheels are in motion for some big moves in the very near future.

Aside from locking up Therrien, Bergevin has also gotten a head start with two of his impending UFA’s. Grinder Dale Weise was welcomed back on a two-year deal. Weise proved to be a shrewd acquisition by Bergevin this past season. Weise not only adds toughness to the Habs forward group, but also is a terrific skater. The Habs need to look to add a few more players of his ilk into the fold.

The club has also resigned veteran defenseman Andrei Markov to a three-year deal worth $17.25M. Some may argue that the price, or length of term in this deal, is too high. The only concern with this contract is the unpredictability of Markov’s health. It is no secret that Markov has had issues staying healthy in the past. However, for what he brings to the table, this will prove to be a good signing. Offensively, the Habs make their hay on the power play. Markov is the catalyst on the point which makes the power play click. The next task for Bergevin should be a no-brainer. Signing P.K. Subban to a long-term deal.

Fortunately, the Habs have cap space. Most of this cap space will be consumed by the Markov deal, and whatever terms the team can come to with Subban. Many are looking for the Canadiens to break the bank on this deal. Subban will be the leader of this team going forward and deserves to be paid as such. It is possible that Subban could even be the next Captain of the Canadiens. Captain Brian Gionta is also unrestricted this year. Bergevin has hinted that he would like to bring Gionta back at the right price. It is more likely that Gionta will return to New Jersey where he could re-unite not only with his former club but also with his brother Stephen Gionta.

Bergevin has stated in the past that he is not one to look to build through costless agency, but rather to look to improve through trades. The Canadiens certainly have some interesting chips to bring to the table. Amongst them, would be this year’s playoff discovery, goaltender Dustin Tokarski. Between tonight’s Entry Draft and with costless agency on the horizon, it will be very interesting to see how Bergevin decides to play his cards.