"The Senators are looking at one crowded blue line when training camp opens Sept. 17 at Scotiabank Place.
The speculation in NHL circles is that with nine defencemen vying for seven spots on the roster, at least one will be dealt before the Senators report for physicals.
Six have one-way contracts, youngsters Jared Cowen and David Rundblad are virtually assured spots, while Patrick Wiercioch will also make a serious push.
Something would seemingly have to give. But making a move will be difficult with the Senators so close to the salary cap floor.
League sources say the club tried to deal either Sergei Gonchar (two years left at $5.5 million) or Filip Kuba (one season left at $3.7 million) during the draft in Minnesota in June, but couldn't find any takers.
Nobody is likely to touch Gonchar after his disastrous 2010-11 season, not without assurances the 37-year-old has completely recovered from the concussion that ended his season in March.
That leaves Kuba as the top candidate to be moved. If the Senators do find any takers for the 34-year-old, they'll have to take back salary to avoid going below the $48.3-million floor.
Senators owner Eugene Melnyk and GM Bryan Murray both stated when the rebuild started that the club wouldn't spend to the cap.
The only player signed on July 1 at the start of free agency was backup goalie Alex Auld to a one-year, $1-million deal.
According to capgeek.com, the Senators have $51.8 million committed to 14 forwards, seven blueliners and two goalies for this season. But that includes prospect forward Stephane DaCosta's $1.325-million entry-level deal — and he'll have a tough time making the team."
