Are the Montreal Canadiens hoping to re-sign Andrei Markov this summer? Is Blues forward Keith Tkachuk considering retirement? Read on to find out.

LA PRESSE: Marc Antoine Godin reports agent Don Meehan, who represents Montreal Canadiens all-star defenseman Andrei Markov, said Habs GM Pierre Gauthier told him during a recent visit to Montreal the club wants to begin talks regarding a possible contract extension. Markov has one season remaining on his current contract and the earliest the Canadiens could re-sign him is July 1st of this year but there's nothing preventing them from negotiating before that date. Meehan suggested talks could start up in mid-May following the Memorial Cup tournament.  Godin wonders if the Canadiens might try to sign Markov to a lengthy, front-loaded contract similar to those recently signed by Henrik Zetterberg, Chris Pronger and Roberto Luongo.

SPECTOR'S NOTE: It's a good idea for the Canadiens to re-up Markov this summer if possible and it wouldn't surprise me if they try to re-sign him to a more affordable front-loaded deal. Markov is earning $5.75 million per season on his present deal and could command over $7 million per season if he hits the open market next summer.

STLTODAY.COM: Jeremy Rutherford reports Blues center Keith Tkachuk hasn't decided yet if he'll retire after this season but appears to be leaning toward it. One indication the 38-year-old Tkachuk might retire is he didn't seek a trade at this year's trade deadline. Tkachuk said if he does decide to retire he'll make it quickly after talking with his wife and Blues GM Larry Pleau following the season.

SPECTOR'S NOTE: Tkachuk is coming to the end of his long career and I don't believe there's a future for him in their roster going forward. He doesn't want to leave St. Louis so I daresay he'll announce his retirement following this season.

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