June 23, 2008 | 11:40am ET
Kostitsyn wants to stay in Montreal TheFourthPeriod.com
Canadiens rising star Andrei Kostitsyn wants to get a new contract ironed out with the club, reports Le Journal de Montreal.
In an interview with a Belarusian paper on Friday, Kostitsyn said his priority is to sign a new contract with the Habs, but he's willing to wait until he receives an offer that catches his eye.
Kostitsyn made $612,000 last season and is due for a substantial raise. Canadiens GM Bob Gainey has initiated negotiations with the 23-year-old's agent, but would not comment on whether an offer has been made.
Le Journal claims Gainey's talks with Kostitsyn will not be affected by the team's attempts to sign Toronto Maple Leafs captain Mats Sundin.
Sundin will command an annual salary of more than $7 million. According to the paper, Gainey will chat with Sundin's agent, J.P. Barry, today. Gainey is expected to travel to Sweden to meet with Sundin later this week.
The Habs are expected to pitch Sundin a one-year and two-year offer.
