- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Both GM Bryan Murray and coach Paul MacLean have said the Senators need more scoring next season. They be going over the unrestricted free agents and finding out who might be available on the trade market.
“We have to score more goals. We have to find a way to create a little more offence,” said Murray. “That may mean trying to find a player out there who will do that.
“Part of it also will be counting on a couple of the younger players that showed they could play in the league to do a little more with the puck than maybe they were capable or able to do this year.”
Murray added that they could package prospects for offensive help.
“At this stage of our development, we certainly want the growth to continue,” said Murray. “We have young players — first- and second-year pros — that will improve and make our team more competitive.
“If there’s a deal to be made, I have to take a hard look at it. If it means trading a young player or two, I’ve got to be open-minded to do that to try to make this team better.”
After their series with the Penguins, they now have a better idea what it takes to win.
“What we learned in the second round against Pittsburgh was size, speed and skill are important parts of the game as you move forward,” said MacLean.
“It means a lot of things: It could be a scoring winger, a defenceman, a centreman, but we want players that have size and speed and good skill at whatever position we can get them at is what I would think. I don’t think there’s one specific need, but if we can get one anywhere I think that would be a great addition.”
- Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Sergei Gonchar said he’d like to return next year. GM Murray said he’ll talk with Gonchar and his agent. He would have to take a paycut from his $5.5 million if they brought him back, but they may decide to go younger. It would be ideal if the Senators knew what Daniel Alfredsson’s plans were before July 5th.
