That's a point Bergevin reiterated on multiple occasions during the 20-minute Q&A session.
After spending time watching seven of the Habs' top prospects play at the World Junior Hockey Championship in British Columbia, he's even more convinced that big things are on the horizon for his club.
"Based on what I saw in Vancouver, the future of the Canadiens is very bright," insisted Bergevin. "I'm not going to start mortgaging the future. I know what's coming with the World Juniors, who they're going to be asking for, and I'm not moving these kids. It's going to be a short conversation, I thinkā¦ If we drafted these kids, it's because we believe they have some potential. That came to the forefront in Vancouver with our prospects that really stepped up their games."
Admittedly, Bergevin has enjoyed seeing the progress American centerman Ryan Poehling has made over the last calendar year.
The 20-year-old pivot, who is currently in his junior season at St. Cloud State University (NCAA), earned top forward and tournament MVP honors at the annual event.
"We were lucky to pick him at No. 25 [at the 2017 NHL Draft]. Last year, he had a good championship in Buffalo, but this year he took it to another level. He's closer and closer to turning pro," said Bergevin. "I haven't had the discussion yet, but it should come. We want to let him finish school, and we'll talk to him at the end of the year."
Bergevin on Price
Earlier in the day, the Canadiens announced that goaltender Carey Price would not be heading to San Jose later on this month to participate in the 2019 NHL All-Star Game.
Upon his return from the Lower Mainland, Bergevin met with Price and team doctors to discuss his status for the League's midseason showcase.
"It was important for me to see what would be best for him short-term and long-term. Based on our discussion, we determined that it was better for him and the organization to take this time to rest," said Bergevin, referencing the lower-body injury that recently forced Price to miss three straight games. "It was a nagging injury, so the time off, especially with the five-day bye week, will help him a lot for the push towards the end of the season."