COLUMBUS -- The Edmonton Oilers, looking for puck-moving defenceman, have targeted Wade Redden.
Just one problem: Redden doesn't want to leave Ottawa.
Redden told the Sun he doesn't want to waive his "no trade" clause, would like to return to Ottawa next season and is willing to talk about a contract extension with GM Bryan Murray.
"Obviously, I have to speak with Bryan and find out where he's at because he just took over," said Redden yesterday. "But I'm sure (agent Don Meehan), myself and Bryan will be speaking over the course of the next little while.
"I know I'm an unrestricted free agent next summer, but I definitely want to be back there. I don't want to go anywhere. I'm really excited about being (in Ottawa), especially after the year we had."
While Redden had an "off year" with seven goals and 29 assists, the Senators had a difficult time winning without him.
Sources say Edmonton GM Kevin Lowe has Redden, 31, on a list of blueliners he covets. The Oilers could dangle LW Raffi Torres, RW Joffrey Lupul or RW Fernando Pisani in front of the Senators to try and land Redden.
Lowe tried to deal for midway through last season, but was rebuffed by then-GM John Muckler.
Murray said he hasn't talked to the Oilers about Redden, but admitted his phone has been "ringing off the hook" since he stepped down from the coaching post and took over the GM's job Monday.
"My cellphone battery isn't lasting very long. I keep having to recharge it," said Murray. "I've had a number of discussions with a lot of teams. Right now, I'm just trying to get back to everybody."
Redden, a Lloydminster, Sask. native, said his name gets linked to Edmonton "all the time.
"I've heard and read some of the stuff, but I haven't heard anything official and it's mainly because I am from out there that people think I am going to Edmonton," he said.
Redden might not be the only Ottawa blueliner who draws interest this weekend. Sources say Murray might try and trade defenceman Joe Corvo and the three years, $7.875 million US left on his deal. Corvo was strong down the stretch, but played a limited role.
Before being fired on Friday, not only had Muckler agreed to a two-year deal with centre Dean McAmmond and sent winger Oleg Saprykin a qualifying offer, he also came to terms on a two-year deal with little-used defenceman Lawrence Nycholat.
Since Saprykin played only a limited role in the playoffs, don't be surprised if the Senators try to move his $1.064- million salary for a late-round draft pick sometime on the weekend.
