In speaking with the media this morning, Bryan Murray indicated that he has already made decisions on some of the team's unrestricted free agents.
It's a group that includes Daniel Alfredsson, Sergei Gonchar, Andre Benoit, Guillaume Latendresse, Peter Regin and Mike Lundin. A quick scan of those names and you can quickly figure which ones likely do not figure into the organization's plans moving forward.
When asked about three in particular (Latendresse, Regin, Lundin) the Senators General Manager confirmed that he has made a decision but wants to speak with those players first. Based on that comment from Murray, sure sounds like all three of those players have played their last game in a Senators uniform.
With so many young prospects ready to make the jump and in some cases, already showing they can play in the NHL, there just isn't room on the roster. Perhaps the most disappointing of that group is Peter Regin. Sens fans saw flashes of what the talented forward could do but he just couldn't stay healthy long enough to produce on a regular basis.
Based on the rave reviews from the Sens GM, it's safe to assume Andre Benoit will be back with the organization next season. The team's Bill Masterton nominee showed he can take a regular shift at the NHL level and looks like an ideal 6/7 defenceman for this team heading into the 2013/2014 season.
The decision on Gonchar will be a little trickier as Gonchar's desire for a second year on the contract could be a stumbling block. The Sens are definitely interested though.
And the Alfie decision, well that one completely rests with the Captain. Comments from MacLean strongly suggest he expects the Captain back for another season but the Sens will have to wait a couple weeks at least before getting the official word.
- Bryan Murray also mentioned that an off season priority will be talking contract with his coaching staff, who are all in the final year of their deals. MacLean has been nominated for the Jack Adams for two straight seasons. Yup, that's probably a good idea.
- Murray emphasized that in this off season they would definitely be open to the idea of packaging prospects if there is a player that can help the team right now. A scoring winger remains a priority.
- Perhaps the most significant news of the day came when Bryan Murray emphasized that this is and will remain a hockey team on a budget. And as Murray indicated, that budget isn't going to be anywhere near the salary cap.
It seems official now, thanks to the fans,management,owner of the sens an a1 class organisation.
— Gui Latendresse (@thetender73) May 29, 2013
