Canadiens GM expects to finalize contract with St. Louis in 'coming days'

Canadiens interim head coach Martin St. Louis' official return behind the bench in Montreal appears imminent.

"I'm not worried about our negotiations with Martin," Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes said at the NHL Draft Combine on Tuesday, according to NHL.com's Sean Farrell. "Our focus has been on the draft coming up. … I expect in the coming days to be able to settle the contract."

Montreal hired St. Louis in February after firing Dominique Ducharme, and the team markedly improved under his guidance. After starting the season 8-30-7, the Canadiens went 14-19-4 with St. Louis.

Few were as galvanized by the coaching change as young forward Cole Caufield. He mustered just eight points in 30 games under Ducharme but led the team with 22 goals and 35 points in 37 contests under St. Louis.

Prior to taking the reins of the Original Six franchise, St. Louis' only head coaching experience was with his sons' minor hockey teams. However, the Hall of Fame forward said he planned to stick around shortly after taking on the interim tag.

"I'm not coming here to be a substitute teacher. ... I have every intention of being here a long time, but I'll have to prove myself again and earn it," he said during his introductory press conference in February.