OTTAWA -- The Ottawa Senators, eliminated by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the Eastern Conference semifinals earlier this week, extended the contract of head coach Jacques Martin for another year, through the 2003-04 season.

The Senators also announced Friday that team president and CEO Roy Mlakar has signed a new five-year contract and Marshall Johnston has decided not to return as general manager.

"I feel very fortunate to be able to continue to try to bring a Stanley Cup to Ottawa," Martin, the third-longest serving coach in the league, said at a news conference at the Corel Centre.

Extending Martin's contract and renewing Mlakar for a lengthy stay is seen as signs the team wants to send a message to its fans: We're not going to make wholesale changes.

The Senators blew a 3-2 series lead over the Maple Leafs, losing 3-0 in Game 7 on Tuesday night, the third straight playoff series loss to Toronto.

"They were disappointed, and we were disappointed, when the team wasn't able to put Toronto away," majority owner Rod Bryden said referring to fans who inundated radio shows, many calling for Martin's firing. "But this isn't the time to start over. It's the time to say, `We got right there to the edge, how come we didn't quite get there? And let's get over that next step."'

Johnston, who turns 61 next month, said he was tiring of the everyday "little decisions" and wished to take a break from hockey.

"I misread that because I really never experienced it before," said Johnston, who plans to spend more time enjoying the outdoors at his Minnesota home and perhaps find a job as a part-time scout. "I've enjoyed it here. It's a great city, the team is good ... the decision was difficult."

Mlakar said he has already started the search for Johnston's replacement -- the sixth general manager in the club's 10-year-history -- but didn't have a timetable.

Johnston will remain with the team through the end of June, meaning he'll make decisions for the Senators at next month's amateur draft.