Music: {allcanada} Could Senators be looking for top-six forward?

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

{allcanada} Could Senators be looking for top-six forward?

The Ottawa Senators have persevered through a number of injuries to key players, among them Norris Trophy-winning defenseman Erik Karlsson, top-line center Jason Spezza and goaltender Craig Anderson.

The latest addition to that list is forward Milan Michalek, who had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee Tuesday and is out indefinitely. Michalek has played just two games since originally getting hurt during pre-game warmups prior to a game against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Feb. 13.

Senators general manager Bryan Murray knows replacing Michalek with a player of similar skill won't be easy.

"I don't know how you ever get a scorer in the NHL anymore, but if you can get a top-six forward it's always the objective," Murray told the Ottawa Sun. "I haven't identified anybody who is going to be moved."

Murray said he isn't inclined to deal any of his top prospects, but if the Senators stay on their current path -- they're fifth in the Eastern Conference -- that opinion could change.

"I'm certainly not going to give up a top young player at this point," he said, "but if there's an ability to acquire someone who can help us as we go forward, absolutely."

Another option could be moving a goaltender. Anderson could return from his ankle injury soon, but Ben Bishop and Robin Lehner have been strong in his absence.

"That's the $64-million question right now," Murray said. "We know [Anderson] is going to be back shortly. Do you do something or do you wait right until the last minute to decide, or do you wait until the summer? The goaltending has been good. We've got good people there. They seem to be happy with the way their roles are right now. One area we don't want to get caught short is goaltending."