We have a great top 6, a great goalie, and a superstar defenseman. We've done the hard part. The rest of pieces should be the easier ones to get (not "easy", just "easier"). That's what's frustrating.
Well unfortunately what the team needs isn't easy to get and if a top 6 and/or a 2/3 D is available the cost will be high.
So while people may realize what the team needs to be a solid contender, they seem to forget the GIVE part of the GIVE to GET equation.
IMO there is no way the Sens will acquire a top 4 D in a trade without giving up a top roster player plus in return.
Think Hoffman, Stone or Turris as a starting point.
Fact is the Senators are deep with high end prospects that might entice a GM to make a trade without wanting a high end roster player.
IMO players like Neil, Boro, Cowen, Wiercoich, Chaisson, JGP, Smith, Prince, Puempel and Lazar aren't going to attract the quality of player the Sens need to upgrade their roster.
So while Murray has likely had a lot of conversations with other GMs, I really don't think he has the assets at this point in time to get a deal done without creating another big hole.
Of course Murray could opt to trade for an improvement in the D, giving up less in the process, but it wouldn't be a 2/3 guy, more likely a 4/5.