Bryan Murray and Pierre Dorion both spoke to the media this morning and as always, there were a few interesting notes about what we can expect heading into the off season.
Certainly sounds like it could be a busy couple weeks for the Ottawa Senators.
Murray explained that at this point, the organization has ranked their goalies and has a pretty good grasp on who they want to keep. At the same time, Murray suggested that he has talked to a few teams on multiple occasions. Certainly a good indication at this stage and shows that there are multiple teams in the mix. Murray did emphasize that at this point, the offers aren’t where they need to be. Not surprising that teams aren’t showing their hand yet and also not surprising that Murray would try to use the media to increase the offers a little bit.
At the same time, Darren Dreger tweeted this morning that the New York Rangers are weighing multiple trade offers on their back up goalie Cam Talbot. Edmonton, San Jose, Calgary, Dallas and Florida were among the teams showing you interest. Four out of five of those teams have been linked to the goalie rumours in Ottawa. Safe to assume that the teams that miss out on Talbot will turn their attention to the Senators.
While Murray wouldn’t say specifically which goalie he planned on moving he did drop a pretty significant hint saying it would take a serious offer to move his number one goalie. With all that in mind, remember to get your entry into the Predict the Goalie Trade Contest!
Will add link to the audio when it becomes available. A couple other notes from today’s media availability…
-We’ve heard it a couple times now but Bryan Murray mentioned that the team is considering adding a contract (Legwand or Greening) in a deal for a goalie. For what it’s worth, I’ve heard the Senators might be able to move Legwand in a separate deal so perhaps Colin Greening ends up being the add-in on a goalie trade? No buy outs expected from the Senators at this point.
-The Senators are also trying to move a defenceman this off season. This would potentially create an opening for UFA Chris Wideman. I’ve heard Eric Gryba’s name come up in some rumours already. Jared Cowen and Patrick Wiercioch will be discussed as well.
-Dave Cameron has signed his two year extension. It took the Head Coach a few weeks to open his mail and then another couple weeks to work out that one clause but at this point, the contract is official. The Senators still have one vacancy on the Coaching staff for next season.
-The Senators have tendered offers to all five restricted free agents (Mark Stone, Mika Zibanejad, Mike Hoffman, Jean Gabriel Pageau and Alex Chiasson). The Senators will continue negotiations with those five players. We’ve talked about it before but the Senators are at least considering long term deals for Stone and Zibanejad.
-No surprise but Dorion emphasized again that the organization will take the best player available when they select at 18th overall.
