On the Ottawa Senators …
Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Citizen: Senators GM Pierre Dorion is in Montreal scouting the World Juniors, and he’ll also be talking to teams about adding some depth upfront.
Dorion has been actively talking to teams, but it’s been more or less tire kicking. Many GM’s will be in Montreal, so there will surely be some trade talk.
At this point, only two teams appear to be willing to move players, the Arizona Coyotes and Colorado Avalanche.
The Coyotes would move Anthony Duclair and Martin Hanzal. The Avalanche would talk about anyone other than Nathan MacKinnon.
Clarke MacArthur and the Senators are hoping he gets clearance to return later this month or early in February. He’d help with their depth and they won’t have to give up any assets.
Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Citizen: NHL commissioner Gary Bettman told reporters that they plan on having three outdoor games next season.
One game is expected to be held between the Ottawa Senators and Montreal Canadiens on Sunday, December 17th at TD Place in Ottawa. The first ever NHL game was held on December 19th, 1917 in Ottawa between the Senators and Canadiens. The NHL would rather have the game on the weekend as opposed to during the week.
“We’re focused on a game on the same day that we played our first game,” Bettman said. “Obviously, we’re (also) focused on a Winter Classic. So my guess is we’re probably talking about three games next year, give or take, but none have been finalized.”
They hope to make a formal announcement later this month.