"I'd love to. I wish to come back, for sure," Diaz told the Gazette.
With Jarred Tinordi, Morgan Ellis and Nathan Beaulieu, who recently signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Habs, coming up in the system and expected to fight for roster spots, the Canadiens might not have room for Diaz, who was among the rookies to participate in this season's All-Star festivities.
Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin met with Diaz's agent Don Meehan at Meehan's office just outside of Toronto on Thursday. Meehan's company, Newport Sports Management, also represents RFAs Ryan White, P.K. Subban and Alexei Emelin, and impending unrestricted free agent Travis Moen.
Even though his future is in question, the Canadiens plan on extending him a qualifying offer and retaining his rights.
"Raffy will be extended a qualifier, no question," Meehan told the Gazette. "He's a legitimate NHL defenseman and the Canadiens want him back."
Negotiations between Meehan's firm and the Canadiens are expected to begin next week.
"Everything was like a dream, playing in a Canadiens jersey," Diaz said. "My first games were unbelievable. Everything went really fast. There were a lot of new things."
