June 3, 2008 | 3:44pm ET
Canadiens begin talks with Kostitsyn TheFourthPeriod.com
Montreal Canadiens GM Bob Gainey has started negotiations with young star Andrei Kostitsyn, according to La Presse Canadienne.
Kostitsyn can become a restricted free agent July 1 and it's believed a few clubs in Russia are pursuing him.
Gainey, however, is confident a deal will get reached, and noted the importance of having the older Kostitsyn brother locked up to a new contract.
Meanwhile, the club also plans on beginning talks with Mark Streit later this month.
Streit can become an unrestricted free agent July 1 and if he isn't signed by then, other teams will be able to bid for his services without having to give Montreal any compensation.
La Presse Canadienne also suggests the Habs could try to sign Mike Komisarek and Chris Higgins to contract extensions.
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