With Pierre Gauthier taking over as the Montreal Canadiens' new GM, the team will shift its focus on center Tomas Plekanec and its two goaltenders.
Plekanec is in the final year of his contract and can become an unrestricted free agent July 1.
Gauthier and now-former GM Bob Gainey spoke with Plekanec's agent over the last few weeks to map out a game plan.
"We both exchanged the wishes of staying together," Gauthier said. "I think Tomas would like to stay with the Montreal Canadiens and we'd certainly like to keep him."
Contract negotiations are still in their infancy, though both sides appear set on getting a new deal ironed out.
"I can't tell you how it's going to evolve, but we're interested in keeping Tomas," Gauthier said.
Meanwhile, speculation has been running wild over the futures of goalies Jaroslav Halak and Carey Price.
Both netminders can become restricted free agents July 1 and despite all the trade rumors, the Habs seem set on keeping them.
"We have two very strong, young goaltenders and they've been a very big part of our team this year," Gauthier said. "They give us a chance to win every night. We believe that we can go forward with these two men."
A number of teams, including the Dallas Stars and Chicago Blackhawks, are reportedly interested in Halak, but it would have to take a significant offer for the Canadiens to part with either him or Price.
"We'll never say never, but we have two very good goalies,” Gauthier said.
