The Associated Press
OTTAWA SENATORS
LAST SEASON: 37-31-14, 88 points, finished 11th in the Eastern Conference and missed the playoffs.
COACH: Paul MacLean, fourth season with Ottawa, 102-79-30.
ADDED: RW Alex Chiasson, C David Legwand.
LOST: RW Alex Hemsky, C Jason Spezza.
PLAYER TO WATCH: Bobby Ryan. The right winger is in the final year of a five-year, $25.5 million deal, and according to general manager Bryan Murray has decided to wait before determining whether to re-sign. Murray noted the sides will talk “in October or November to get something done.”
OUTLOOK: It was only 2012 and 2013 when many thought Ottawa was a franchise on the ascent after back-to-back playoff appearances. Now the Senators are facing an uncertain future as Ottawa lost centers Daniel Alfredsson and Spezza the last two offseasons. There is a very real possibility the organization may have to deal Ryan and Methot during the season if the players cannot come to terms with the team. It is not a playoff formula.
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