On the Ottawa Senators …
Bruce Garrioch: The Senators are still looking at some free agent forwards and could bring in one for depth. They are also looking at a possible PTO for defenseman.
Ian Mendes: Senators GM Pierre Dorion on TSN 1200 said that he’s talking to a couple players about a possible PTO. Mendes thinks it could be defensemen.
Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: GM Dorion is trying to bring in another player or two before training opens next week.
“As far as our roster being set I still think we’re working at it,” Dorion said. “I’ve been talking to quite a few agents over the past few days.
“Since the start of the summer, I feel that our group of forwards is set — we hope that Clarke MacArthur is going to be all right — but at the same time it wouldn’t be a bad idea to get some kind of insurance policy if that happens. If that’s not the case, I’m confident in the group of forwards we have.
“On the back end, I’d like it to be a healthy competition for roster spots so either we’re still looking at bring someone on a PTO or, at this point in time, maybe something more depending on what players are looking for.”
Dorion added that he can’t see them making a trade before or during camp.
The Senators have kicked tires on defensemen Kris Russell and Dennis Seidenberg. It’s thought that both are looking for a contract and not a PTO.
On the Philadelphia Flyers …
Dave Isaac: The Flyers have a couple feelers out there for potential PTOs, but nothing solid yet. Would guess that the PTOs would be for forwards and not defensmen.
Dave Isaac of the Courier-Post: The Flyers have two goaltenders entering the final year of their contracts – Steve Mason and Michal Neuvirth – and both are looking to be the teams starter.
“There could be,” Hextall said. “Maybe we sign them both. I can’t predict. They’re both very good goalies. They both proved it last year. They both should be in their prime/entering their prime. We’re excited about both of them and essentially don’t have a fixed plan moving forward.”
Flyers GM Ron Hextall doesn’t have any plans to start negotiations with either goalie at this point, and he doesn’t appear to planning on talking to either during the season.
“We’re just going to play this season and see how things go,” Hextall said. “That doesn’t mean at some point…I don’t want to say something because I don’t know right now. We know they’re both really good goalies.”
Neuvirth will make $1.75 million this season, with Mason making $4.1 million. The Flyers will likely have do decide their future goalie before the expansion draft in June. Anthony Stolarz could be their backup next season.