Ottawa misses playoffs but builds for next year

(AP) So close, yet so far away--words no doubt Ottawa Senators general manager Gary Brown will be reciting to himself this summer. No question that Brown will revisit the perhaps ill-advised eleventh hour trade of team captain and blueline stalwart Niklas Lidstrom to Vancouver. "Had we kept Lidstrom, we would have made the playoffs, but we would be back to square one. We unloaded his large contract which had one year to run and picked up a promising winger (Mason Raymond), a steady defenseman (Johnny Oduya), and what we're hoping will be the goalie of the future, Cory Schneider," Brown said. As for next year, the Senators are anxious to see touted defense prospect Drew Doughty turn pro, along with exciting pivot Michael Frolik and speedy winger Max Pacioretty.

Rumors have been circulating that first line center Ryan Getzlaf will be made available before the 2009 entry level draft. Brown has made no secret that he covets highly rated Swedish defenseman Victor Hedman and that Getzlaf could become expendable with the development of Nicklas Backstrom. Not to mention that Brown is becoming increasingly interested in center Matt Duchene of Brampton, whose stock has been on the rise of late. "Watch out for the Senators next season. We are going to be a force in the East," Brown told reporters, adding "We have no interest in trading for fading stars in return for our draft picks or prospects. Save yourself the email."