COLUMBUS -- Wade Redden has declared he wants to stay with the Senators, but it hasn't stopped teams from knocking on Bryan Murray's door.
While the Senators GM confirmed yesterday he's had "a couple" of inquiries about the future of the veteran defenceman in Ottawa, sources say Murray has been holding intense discussions with Oilers GM Kevin Lowe.
With Round 1 of the NHL draft set for tonight at Nationwide Arena, there was talk the Senators could send Redden and winger Antoine Vermette to the Oilers for centre Shawn Horcoff and defenceman Jason Smith. It's believed the Senators would prefer winger Joffrey Lupul over Horcoff.
The 31-year-old Redden, who will earn $6.5 million (all terms US) next season, has long been coveted by the Oilers.
Lowe desperately needs a puck-moving blueliner and Redden would fit the bill. It's believed Phoenix and Los Angeles are interested in Redden as well.
"I've had a couple of teams inquire, but that's where it ended at this point," said Murray. "(Redden's) a very good player. If there's money involved going forward, I have to figure out where he fits at the salary he makes. That's the only issue at the moment."
Murray said it would be tough to move Redden if he doesn't want to be dealt. Redden told the Sun on Wednesday he doesn't want to go anywhere and would be willing to talk about an extension.
"There's nothing at this point in time that we're talking about with him," said Murray. "He has a no-trade clause and I haven't talked to him or his agent (Don Meehan) at this point.
"I haven't had that occasion to talk to (Redden). When I left, he was away on holidays. Really, until I have that chance to talk to Don Meehan, there's nothing more than he's a player for the Ottawa Senators."
Murray, meanwhile, said he had a discussion with goaltender Martin Gerber at the end of the season and last year's free-agent signing indicated he would like to be dealt if he's not going to get the chance to play in Ottawa.
Gerber, who will make $7.4 million in the next two years wasn't happy in the backup role behind Ray Emery.
Sources say the Kings have shown mild interest in Gerber, as have the Coyotes.
Unfortunately for Gerber, there may not be a market for him.
"I talked to (Gerber) and he wants to be a player," said Murray. "He was a good goaltender. He didn't have a great start to the year, but when he got a chance to play, he played well. He wants a chance to play and I'd like to accommodate him, but at the moment there's not a fit."
Murray said he's had discussions with a couple of teams regarding other possibilities.
The club wouldn't mind moving winger Oleg Saprykin and defenceman Joe Corvo.
"My intent is not to make a splash. My intent is to improve our team," said Murray.
