After another strong performance by Nick Foligno last night, which included the game winning goal, the Ottawa Senators search for a second line centre seems to be cooling a little.
When Stephane Da Costa was demoted to the AHL, it appeared as though the Sens were going to have to fill the void through trade but thanks to the play of Foligno, the situation seems far less dire.
With Foligno adjusting, or readjusting, to his role as a centre, there is suddenly less urgency to address the role of second line centre through trade. Add to that the fact that Peter Regin is back skating with the team and it appears as though Bryan Murray may be able to hold off on a deal.
There is no timetable for a return for Regin but listening to MacLean talk today, it sounded as though the plan is to give him another shot at that role when he returns.
If that doesn't pan out, the Sens know they can turn to Foligno in a pinch.
In a season where names like Karlsson, Spezza, Michalek and Smith have been grabbing all the headlines, Foligno has quietly put together a solid season. Playing both wing and centre, Foligno has picked up 8 goals and 17 points which puts him fifth in team scoring.
Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline), of the Columbus Dispatch, tweeted today that the Hurricanes offered Tomas Kaberle and a 2nd round pick for Derick Brassard about a month ago and the offer was refused. While this doesn't show you exactly what the market is for Brassard, it does give you an idea of the general ball park.
I would think the Jackets would prefer to take a younger player back rather than a bad contract like Kaberle's.
While Murray will continue to scan the market for options, the play of Nick Foligno is giving the club some flexibility.
