The goal is the playoffs, but the Ottawa Senators will not be relying solely on new acquisition Dion Phaneuf to get there, according to general manager Bryan Murray.
Addressing the media after pulling off a nine-player deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs that brought Phaneuf to Canada's capital, Murray said the three-time All-Star gives his team security on the back end, as well as added leadership in the dressing room.
At the same time, Murray cautioned, Phaneuf is expected to be but one piece of the puzzle.
"We don't expect him to be a savior," Murray said of Phaneuf. "We expect him to be the good solid player he is."
With his team four points out of a wild-card spot, Murray knows there's no quick fix.
Says it's going to be a stretch for his team to make the playoffs, it's going to be a battle he says.
— Dean Brown (@PxPOttawa) February 9, 2016
"I hope it sends a message to our group," Murray added. "We're trying to win."
According to Murray, Maple Leafs GM Lou Lamoriello called him about another topic, at which point he brought up Phaneuf as a trade candidate.
Key to the deal was prospect Tobias Lindberg, whom Murray was reluctant to give up and who likely has a bright future ahead of him.
"They asked for Tobias," Murray admitted. "He'll probably play for the Leafs within a year."
Murray also commented on 2009 first-round pick Jared Cowen, who's often been scratched this season and did not live up to expectations in Ottawa.
"I'm disappointed for Jared here," says Murray. "He wanted a fresh start. This will give him a fresh start." #Sens
— Bruce Garrioch (@SunGarrioch) February 9, 2016
Finally, Murray confirmed Phaneuf is expected to make his Senators debut Wednesday in Detroit, and will wear Cowen's old No. 2.
