On the Ottawa Senators …
Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Senators GM Pierre Dorion said again that he’s not giving up on the season just yet. They have several plans of action depending on how things go between now and the February 26th NHL trade deadline.
Teams continue to call the Senators about forwards Mike Hoffman, Zack Smith, and Jean-Gabriel Pageau, and defenseman Cody Ceci.
“Contrary to what has been said out there, I haven’t shopped anyone,” Dorion said. “People are in the position we were in last year, where we were looking to add, and a lot of people are phoning. I still believe in this team, but, at a certain point, if we see we’re not in the playoffs, we’re going to look at every option possible.
“We have good players on this team, and that’s why a lot of people are phoning.”
The closer the deadline gets, the higher the cost to acquire players will likely be.
The Sens will be patient and there has been no mention of the Senators having to move out salary.
“I’ve had discussions with Mr. Melnyk about multiple plans. I haven’t been given that direction (to move money) at all,” Dorion said.
Chris Stevenson of NHL.com: GM Dorion when asked if he would consider trade offers “at this moment” for defenseman Erik Karlsson.
“Our first priority with Erik is to sign him. He’s a special player, but Wayne Gretzky got traded, so, if a team offers you an offer you can’t turn down, you listen. But our first priority is to sign Erik Karlsson and Erik Karlsson to be a Senator for life.”
Chris Nichols of FanRag Sports: Darren Dreger was on TSN 1200 and was talking about the Ottawa Senators and defenseman Dion Phaneuf.
“From a trade standpoint yeah, the usual names are out there, but I think you guys might be even a little bit surprised to hear that I believe there’s interest in Dion Phaneuf,” relayed the Insider. “Now, I wouldn’t say that anything is imminent, and I believe that teams have inquired and have been honest in saying, ‘With all due respect, he’s not choice No. 1, so we’re going to continue to push and have trade conversations and we may circle back.’
“But I think we can soundly add Phaneuf into that collection.”
Phaneuf has three years left on his deal at a $7 million salary cap hit, but his salary does decrease. He also has a modified no-trade clause.