TSN:
In Montreal, general manager Bob Gainey has said a deal with soon-to-be unrestricted free agent Mats Sundin won’t take days or weeks, as it’s like a marriage proposal.
The Habs hope Sundin doesn’t play the role of the runaway bride after July 1 because landing a quality centre is Gainey’s top priority of the summer. Failing that, he will have just under $14 million to try to attract another impact forward like Marian Hossa or a less expensive free agent like Minnesota’s Brian Rolston or Ryan Malone – whose negotiating rights belong to the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Gainey will also have to take care of the five restricted free agents on his current roster, all of whom received qualifying offers. None are more significant this summer than forward Andrei Kostitsyn, but another one to keep and eye on is Jaroslav Halak.
Gainey may bring in a veteran netminder to back up Carey Price, and Quebec native Marc Denis‘ name has been circulated around the city. Denis has gone on record saying he would love the chance to play in his hometown.
