What Do The Ottawa Senators Do Next? Move Forward, Of Course – A Six Pack Of Targets

Now that the draft is in the rear view mirror, the Senators must quickly turn their attention to the rapidly approaching opening of the free agency period.  With the confirmation on Friday that Daniel Alfredsson will be returning for one (and possibly two) more seasons, the Senators know better what their situation is.  They still need to add a scoring forward to round out the top 6 and there is a possibility that they could be in the market for a top 4 defenseman.

Keeping in mind the budgetary restrictions of the club that have been set not by the salary cap but by the owner, there will be a few options for the Senators to pursue.  All will have their drawbacks, but most of them would be an upgrade on the summer of 2012 signings, which amounted to Guillaume Latendresse and Mike Lundin.

About a week and a half ago, I looked at 5 names that might be worth pursuing.  Those were bigger names that will command bigger contracts.  But what about those reclamation projects that might be willing to take a short-term deal to get a shot at being part of something special.

Apr 25, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Flyers center

(48) and left wing

(12) celebrates a goal against the New York Islanders during the first period at the Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Here are some of the affordable names, at the forward position,  that might not have been bounced around or mentioned a potential target yet, along with a couple who have: