(UPDATE 3:05 PM)- The Ottawa Senators have made a splash via trade, sending Nick Foligno to the Columbus Blue Jackets for defenceman Marc Methot. Methot is from the Ottawa area and should fit in nicely in the Sens top four defenceman.
(UPDATE 2:53 PM) Filip Kuba has continued the trend of former Sens cashing in big on the open market, signing for two years and $8 million with the Florida Panthers.
(UPDATE 2:11)- Aaron Ward is now reporting that Matt Carkner has signed with the New York Islanders.
(UPDATE 1:56 PM)- The Senators have signed defenceman Andre Benoit. Good depth signing for Binghamton.
(UPDATE 1:33 PM)- Word is the Senators have a one year agreement in place with Guillaume Latendresse and will sign him to a contract pending a physical.
(UPDATE 1:27 PM)- Zenon Konopka has signed a two year deal with the Minnesota Wild. Interesting to note that Matt Carkner's camp is now saying nothing has officially been signed with the Avs.
(UPDATE 1:15 PM)- The Ottawa Senators have signed defenceman Mike Lundin to a one year deal worth $1.15 million.
(UPDATE 1:02 PM)- The Colorado Avalanche have signed former Sens defenceman Matt Carkner. Disappointing to see Carkner leave Ottawa. He was an important part of this team last season and will have a chance at an increased role with the Avs.
After just missing out on college defenceman Justin Schultz, the Senators now turn their attention to the open market.
As of noon today, the National Hockey League's free agency market opens up and Bryan Murray and the Ottawa Senators will be looking to make a splash. With holes in their top six forwards and top four defence, it could be a busy day in the Nation's Capital.
Zach Parise is the biggest name on the market today and initial speculation indicates the Senators have an interest and are preparing a significant offer. Obviously the Sens won't be alone in their pursuit as a number of teams are expected to make big offers to the Devils captain.
Ryan Suter is the other big fish in play today and the Senators will explore that option as well. After the top end talent, there are a number of other interesting names that should also interest the Sens.
Up front, PA Parenteau makes a ton of sense. Names like Dustin Penner, Jiri Hudler and Alex Semin could also be options for Ottawa. On the blueline, Jason Garrison, Matt Carle, Bryan Allen and Kurtis Foster have all been speculated as possibilities.
The Senators also have to keep an eye on a few of their own guys too. As of noon today, Matt Carkner, Zenon Konopka, Filip Kuba, Jesse Winchester and Matt GIlroy will all be available to the highest bidder.
And in addition to all the free agency talk, the Senators are still right in the mix on the trade front. Both Rick Nash and Niklas Hjalmarsson will be names they keep a very close eye on today.
As always, I'll do my best to keep things up to date here on the site and on Twitter.
Happy Canada Day everyone, and enjoy the Free Agent Frenzy!
