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It looks like Martin Gerber can safely unpack his suitcase when he arrives in Ottawa.
Senators GM Bryan Murray said yesterday he'll try to accommodate the veteran goalie's request for a trade, but he's told Gerber and his agent Gilles Lupien they'll have to be patient because there are no trade talks going on.
ROSTERS ON HOLD
While sources say the Los Angeles Kings and Phoenix Coyotes both had a mild interest in Gerber -- who has two years, $7.4 million remaining on his contract -- rosters are on hold until teams figure out what they want to do after training camp is over at the end of the month.
"I've talked to some teams," said Murray. "There is nobody at this point that has indicated they can take on a goaltender or needs one.
"I think everybody that talks about trades, you now have to wait until teams start and see if anybody has a need in that area.
"But I'm not calling teams any longer to make that happen. We've had conversations with (Gerber) and his agent. Now, we just have to play."
Gerber, signed as an unrestricted free agent last summer, has a chance to market himself in camp with No. 1 goalie Ray Emery unable to play in exhibition games because of a wrist injury.
A good showing will increase his trade value.
'GOOD GOALTENDER'
"I suspect he will. I said this to our coaching staff, 'I think he's a heck of a guy to start off with and he's a good goaltender,' " said Murray. "I think he won 12 of his last 15 games. We know he can play well in this league.
"The only judgment ever made on him seems to be financial.
"But he is capable of being a No. 1 goalie. If (Emery) can't start right away, I feel very confident that (Gerber) can do the job for us."
