Montreal Canadiens GM Bob Gainey plans on being extremely active when the free agent market opens at noon ET later today.
Yesterday, the Canadiens acquired Scott Gomez from the New York Rangers, giving the Habs a solid first-line center.
According to a source, the move transpired after a trade with the Tampa Bay Lightning for center Vincent Lecavalier fell through during draft weekend, and allows the Habs to showcase to other free agents that they're serious about improving for next season.
The Canadiens are expected to pitch offers to wingers Marian Hossa, Martin Havlat and Marian Gaborik, and seem set on signing the first player who agrees to a contract.
Gainey is also expected to bolster his blueline, with Mattias Ohlund considered a prime target.
The Habs are also waiting on a reply from Alex Kovalev, who was offered a contract on Sunday.
If Kovalev rejects the Canadiens' proposal, the Habs will turn their attention to Alex Tanguay, who is also an unrestricted free agent.
Defenseman Mike Komisarek will test the waters, but his agent told the media that the Habs are still considered a serious contender to sign his client.
