Bryan Murray spoke to the media after day 2 of camp and as you’d expect, there were a few questions about the team’s search for blueline help.
According to Murray, there aren’t really many defenceman available around the league. It further complicates matters when you consider a number of teams looking for defensive help early in training camp. The Sens GM suggested that there is certainly nothing imminent on that front right now.
Free agency is still an option on defence but right now, it looks like Murray would rather wait and see how the young guys perform early in the season.
When it comes to goaltending, Murray said that the team won’t base the decision solely on contracts. This is good news for Robin Lehner, who many assume will be the odd man out because of his two way contract. It is going to be really hard for MacLean to differentiate between Bishop and Lehner without any preseason games but that’s the reality of this shortened season.
Will be interesting to see how the crease shakes out in Ottawa to start the season.
When asked about numbers, Murray suggested that the team could carry as many as 22 or 23 players to start the season. That will mean two or three healthy scratches to start the season on Saturday afternoon. With only 26 players in camp, Coach MacLean will have the luxury of carrying a couple extra bodies to start the season.
Assuming Cody Ceci and Stefan Noesen are returned to Junior and the team only carries two goalies, MacLean may not even need to cut a skater before the season opener.
