With a disappointing first-round finish in this year's playoffs, the Ottawa Senators have their sights set again on next year -- beginning with a meeting of amateur scouts in the city this week.
Officials say they're trying to find ways to improve their team so they can still be playing in the Stanley Cup finals at this time next year, something that hasn't happened since 2006. The focus now -- the upcoming NHL entry draft next month in Los Angeles.
Many of Ottawa's players are set to be free agents this summer, including defenceman Anton Volchenokv (unrestricted). Restricted free agents this summer include Chris Campoli, Nick Foligno, Peter Regin and Jesse Winchester.
Volchenkov will expect a raise: Murray
It's quite possible the shot-blocking machine Volchenkov will go, Senators GM Bryan Murray recently told the Canadian Press, given that he made US$3.2 million this season and will likely expect a hefty raise.
"I don't know whether I'm going to be able to get him signed," said Murray. "It's going to be very difficult.
"We have three or four restricted free agents. Even if we get them done at the numbers I'm hoping we get them done at -- and that's usually not the case -- budget-wise we'll be in a position that will be difficult."
No word yet on Spezza
The Senators will select 16th overall in this year's draft. During the last couple of years, they've been able to increase their depth in the minor-league affiliate of the Ottawa team, the Binghamton Senators.
Given the need to call up players periodically during the season, this is something hockey teams can never have enough of.
As for star forward Jason Spezza, Murray didn't say yet what the Sens' plans for him are. A no-trade clause on the player, oft criticized for his mistakes, will go into effect July 1.
"We hope that as he continues to play this game that he'll do little things a little different and better, but he's a good player, and you don't go find that kind of player very often in the National Hockey League."
With files from The Canadian Press
