Canadiens GM Bergevin won't change coaching staff, re-signing Petry a 'priority'

Montreal Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin is not planning to replace head coach Michel Therrien.

"I have no reason to make any changes when it comes to our coaching staff," Bergevin told reporters in French on Friday. "They are doing great work."

The Canadiens finished with the regular season's second-best record, but were eliminated in six games by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the second round of the playoffs.

"Michel Therrien is doing exceptional work," Bergevin said. "I'm disappointed anyone would think otherwise."

The GM will meet with the entire coaching staff next week in an effort to solve the club's dormant power-play. The Canadiens scored two goals with the man advantage in 36 postseason opportunities.

Bergevin also expressed an interest in bringing back one of his key trade deadline acquisitions.

"It's a priority to keep (defenseman) Jeff Petry," Bergevin said.

Petry - a pending unrestricted free agent - reportedly told TVA's Renaud Lavoie on Thursday that returning to the Canadiens is his first choice.

Meanwhile, a trio of veteran free agents will not be back next season. Bergevin said defensemen Sergei Gonchar and Mike Weaver, as well as forward Manny Malhotra, will not be re-signed by the club.