Clouston wants to return next year By BRUCE GARRIOCH, QMI Agency

Ottawa Senators head coach Cory Clouston speaks to the media following practice at Scotiabank Place. February 24,2011. (ERROL MCGIHON/QMI AGENCY)

Cory Clouston isn’t sure what’s going to happen next, but he’d like to return to the Senators.

The 41-year-old Clouston, who doesn’t have a contract next season and was hired in February, 2009, told reporters he hopes to be part of the solution.

Senators owner Eugene Melnyk told Sportsnet Radio The Fan 590 in Toronto Tuesday that he’s already made a decision on GM Bryan Murray and Clouston, but wasn’t willing to reveal it on air.

“Hopefully, I’ll be part of (the future),” said Clouston Wednesday. “Like I said, that’s something that I can’t control right now.”

Melnyk will be in town for the club’s final home game Thursday and the team picture Friday morning.

The Senators have only two games left before closing out what’s been a disastatrous season. Ottawa will face Montreal Thursday at home and the final game Saturday vs. the Boston Bruins at 1 p.m.

These two games could be Clouston’s last stand.

The Senators were shorthanded at practice Wednesday at Scotiabank Place. They sent forwards Erik Condra and Roman Wick along with defencemen Andre Benoit, Patrick Wiercioch and David Hale to Binghamton.

All five will suit up against the Norfolk Admirals. The Baby Sens need only one more point to book a playoff spot in the AHL for the first time since 2005.

bruce.garrioch@sunemedia.ca