The season opener is on October 3 (against the New York Rangers) but GM Bryan Murray isn’t done tinkering with his squad. Most of the reason is due to the long drawn out drama concerning Dany Heatley’s request for a trade and his final movement to the San Jose Sharks.

Murray could have decisions to make on defencemen Christoph Schubert and Alex Picard. Centre Chris Kelly has to step it up. Prospects Peter Regin, Erik Karlsson and Matt Carkner are pushing for jobs, but our GM can’t afford to keep everybody and stay under the $56.7-million (all terms US) salary cap. Senators D Jared Cowen, Ottawa’s top pick in June’s draft, suited up against the Bolts and was returned to Spokane of the WHL following the game.

If Murray is selling or trading, the current free agents I would like to have on the team are Darryl Sydor (d), Michael Peca (c) & Manny Malhotra (c). These could be valuable assets if we’re fighting for playoff spots or well into the playoffs.