On Monday, I indicated that Philadelphia Flyers forward and Gatineau native Daniel Briere could be an option for the Senators.
And while I really believe the Sens will keep a close eye on that situation in Philadelphia, Briere is obviously not the only player the organization will take a look at this off season. Whether it be by trade or through free agency, Sens GM Bryan Murray will be looking to add a piece over the next month or so.
It's safe to say big name UFAs like Nathan Norton, Bryan Bickell and David Clarkson will end up signing for more than the Sens are willing to spend. An interesting UFA name that has come up is Detroit forward Damien Brunner. The Wings want to keep him but if he hits the market, the Sens will be interested.
The trade route is also an option for Murray. A name that has come up for more than a calendar year around these parts is Bobby Ryan. If the Ducks are set on moving him, Bryan Murray has to make a call.
While the Sens would love to add a goal scoring winger, they'll also need to assess their blueline needs at some point this off season. The Sens could fill the hole left by Gonchar from within (Patrick Wiercioch) but could certainly use an upgrade if possible. Wiercioch is going to be a solid player in this league but I don’t know if he’s ready to play 20+ a night including regular shifts on the PP and PK.
As always, any moves Murray does make have to be done within the constraints of the dreaded internal budget.
- The National Hockey League will begin the process of handing out their yearly awards, beginning on Friday at 5:00 PM. Included in that first batch are a couple Sens nominees including Head Coach Paul MacLean and team captain, Daniel Alfredsson. MacLean has to be considered the favourite to take home the Jack Adams Award and Alfie seems like a shoe in for the Leadership Award.
- Speaking of Daniel Alfredsson, still no word on his decision for next year. Every indication I'm getting suggests the Captain is coming back for one more year but those close to Alfie are giving him time to ensure he's making the right decision. Obviously management would prefer to have an idea what Alfie plans to do before heading into free agency. His salary for next year will impact the team's budget for next season.
- The Stanley Cup Final begins tonight in Chicago but Sens fans can already add one date to their calendar for next season. The Ottawa Senators will play the New York Islanders at the Barrie Molson Centre in Barrie, Ontario. Just 109 days until puck drop!
- The draft is now less than three weeks away. I wish I could give you something concrete but it really does seem like every option is in play for the Sens right now. Stay at 17, move up or trade the pick altogether. Two names that I’m hearing more often than others right now- Bo Horvat and Samuel Morin. In the meantime, three mock drafts to take a look at over on NHL.com. They have the Sens taking Max Domi, Max Domi and Kerby Rychel. Drafting Tie Domi's son would be quite entertaining.
- A prediction for the Stanley Cup Final- Boston over Chicago in seven games. After what they did to the Leafs and Penguins on their march to the finals, it's hard not to root for the Bruins in this series.
