The status of forward Sergei Samsonov is the talk of Montreal. His agent, Neil Abbott, hinted earlier this week that his client might have to look for greener pastures after being demoted to the fourth line. Pressed on the issue yesterday, Samsonov, who signed a two-year, $7.05-million US deal with the Canadiens during the summer, set the record straight. Sidestepping any talk that he might seek a trade, Samsonov told reporters he would like to remain a Hab and make a significant contribution to the team's potential playoff run. "My first priority now is to stay with the Canadiens," he said. "I'm here for two years and I'm looking forward to it, but then again, if things are not working out, we'll see where it takes us. "It's way too early to say anything. We just have to go through the process. It's a new team, new linemates, and I'm sure it's new for coach (Guy Carbonneau), too. We're just going to have to work through it."