Bryan Chiu.

BY LOUIS JEAN
sportsnet.ca

The 2009 Grey Cup champions were expected to undergo a major facelift this off-season, but early indications are that may not be the case.

Montreal Alouettes slotback Ben Cahoon and centre Bryan Chiu are expected to follow all-star quarterback Anthony Calvillo and play one more year.

"As of today, they've told me they plan to be back and help defend our title," said general manager Jim Popp.

Cahoon is recovering from a physically demanding season where he battled through a nagging leg injury. But the injury isn't deterring him from honouring the final year of his contract.

"He's been beat up each year and played hurt for us all season," Popp said from his Montreal home. "He's one of the toughest players in the league pound-for-pound. He’s been getting treatment and is already feeling better."

The Alouettes' GM is aware that things could change between now and the opening of training camp in June.

"Anybody that ventures over 35 (years-old) in this sport is probably going month-to-month."

That seems to be the case for Chiu who says: "I'm going to sit down with my wife and evaluate the future. I have to look at the big picture. I have three other people I have to think about now."

Chiu says he's 75 % sure he'll be back.

"This team is set to defend the title. All the pieces are in place. Coach (Marc) Trestman returning is a big part of that. We want to see if we can do it. It's a different challenge, one a lot of guys would welcome."

Meanwhile, according to the Montreal Gazette, kicker Damon Duval has a tryout lined up with the Atlanta Falcons next week. Depending on how things go, he may not return to Montreal.

Duval appeared in two exhibition games with the Falcons in 2004.

Notes: The Alouettes have granted the Toronto Argonauts permission to speak to Scott Milanovich on the head coaching vacancy. The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have requested permission to speak to defensive coordinator Tim Burke about their vacant head coaching position.