If everything goes according to plan, the Montreal Canadiens will undergo a major facelift this summer.

GM Bob Gainey told a group of reporters during a pre-draft gathering that he has "a lot of balls in the air" and is actively pursuing a trade to land an impact player.

When asked if that player could be Tampa Bay Lightning superstar Vincent Lecavalier, Gainey answered, "It hasn't been a secret we've been in the market for a first-line centre. If we can get our hands on one, wherever that player may be, that's where we'll be looking. But it's going to require patience."

Patience is what a number of the Canadiens players will require in terms of where they fit in. Of the 11 pending free agents, defenceman Mike Komisarek is the team's No. 1 priority and the only player to have received a contract offer.

"His age, his positions on our team, we know we'll need a player like that. He's open to listening and talking. We've tried to evaluate the market as we see it and how we could fit him in and what would make him jump on a broom and say, 'yes'."

Gainey admitted what happens this weekend may have a direct impact on captain Saku Koivu, Alex Kovalev, Alex Tanguay and Mathieu Schneider's futures with the team. All are expected to hear from Gainey by early next week but the same can't be said of Robert Lang, Francis Bouillon, Patrice Brisebois, Mathieu Dandenault, Tom Kostopoulos and Marc Denis.

"In my mind, it's about having priorities and doing them in the right order, not getting too far out of order, spending money too soon and then an opportunity comes by later," Gainey said.

Note: Jacques Martin says he expects to round out his coaching next week. Perry Pearn is reportedly the leading candidate to replace Doug Jarvis. Martin also confirmed he intends to meet with former Calgary Flames goalie coach Dave Marcoux for the vacant position.