The number one challenge for Pierre Gauthier as GM of the Montreal Canadiens is to get Tomas Plekanec's name on a new contract.
It might not be as difficult as you think.
Even though he is an unrestricted free agent and even though there aren't many centres and he could write his own ticket on the open market, the fact is that he really likes playing for Jacques Martin.
He likes the renaissance that he's had this year, he remembers what a disastrous season he had last year for the Canadiens, and he likes the way things feel in Montreal right now. He knows that he's got to get somewhat market value, but he also knows that to chase the dollar and not have the same role on a different team would not be to his advantage.
There's been an expression of interest both ways to get this done. I wouldn't be surprised if they started talking over the Olympic break.