Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Senators GM Bryan Murray plans on returning next season.
“I’m keeping going. I’ve talked to the doctors, I’ve talked to my family, I talked to ownership and if my health holds up and everything I feel I can keep doing this job and it’s better than sitting on the couch at home,” said Murray.
Murray has put a contract extension offer on the table for coach Dave Cameron. Murray will be looking for a top-six forward to play with Bobby Ryan and Mika Zibanejad.
“If you’re looking for players you’re always looking for top guys. My dream is to find a top six guy, Murray said. “If we could add one more piece up front, I’m not sure about the blueline, up front, that would make a huge difference in our team.”
Senators owner Eugene Melnyk has already committed more money to their roster for next season. They already have $58 million committed to 18 players for next season. They will try to move David Legwand and Colin Greening to clear up more space.
THE TOP FIVE LIST IN THE OFF-SEASON
1. Keep it together: Sign restricted free agents Mark Stone, Mike Hoffman, Jean-Gabriel Pageau, Alex Chiasson and Mika Zibanejad.
2. Make a deal: The Senators have always wanted to add a top six forward to the fold. Teams like Boston and Chicago will have cap issues.
3. Thanks very much: Veteran David Legwand and winger Colin Greening were good soldiers but they need a chance to play elsewhere.
4. Bring back Alfie: Former Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson appears destined to join the front office at some point or another.
5. A healthy Lehner: The Senators top prospect in the net hasn’t played in over three months after a concussion. Hopefully he can recover soon.
Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Senators GM Murray said yesterday that he’ll make a contract extension offer to Andrew Hammond before he becomes an unrestricted free agent on July 1st. If they can get a deal done, Murray then could look to move one of Robin Lehner or Craig Anderson.
“We will make an offer to him and we’ll see if he’s interested, willing to accept what we have for him. If that happens, if he does then obviously there’ll be a change with one of the other two guys,” said Murray.
The Senators should get interest in both goalies, with the Sharks, Oilers, Blues and Sabres all looking for goalies. Sabres GM Tim Murray played a part in the Senators drafting Lehner. Lehner is still bothered by headaches from his concussion. Hope is that he can start working out by early May.
Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: (Before Murray said that he was going to extend an offer) Andrew Hammond said he hadn’t spoken with GM Bryan Murray yet and wasn’t sure if they were going to try to re-sign him.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen. I love Ottawa. I love everything about Ottawa, the fans, the organization and everything. It’s still early. No one knows what’s going to happen here. I’d obviously love to stay,” said Hammond.