With a disappointing 2010/2011 behind them, the Ottawa Senators head into the 2011-2012 season with a fresh start on their minds. Last seasons late push, largely in part due to the acquisition of Craig Anderson, gave Senators fans a glimpse of hope for the upcoming season. The Binghamton call-ups, for the most part, played very well and demonstrated that the Murray's are doing a good job of keeping the cupboards stocked.
Bryan Murray, fresh off signing a three year contract extension with the club, then went into the 2011 Entry Draft armed with four selections in the first two rounds. With the clubs first selection, the Senators tabbed Jonathan Huberdeau the sixth overall pick. The slick centre racked up 105 points (43G, 65A) in 65 games with the Saint John Sea Dogs of the QMJHL. He then went on to post 35 points in the playoffs in leading his team to a Memorial Cup Championship
P). With the clubs three second round selections, Murray again continued the add to the forward ranks, selecting Mark Scheifele (35th overall, a player that was projected to go much higher but fell due to unknown reasons), Matthew Nieto (speedy undersized left winger who has a knack for the net) and Magnus Hellberg (6'5'' behemoth goaltender who posted stellar numbers in the SEL division 2 league last season, 2.04 GAA and a .935 save percentage).
Murray wasted no time in inking top pick Jonathan Huberdeau to a 3 year, entry level contract. Huberdeau will not be handed the spot but is expected to make a big play for the second line centre role on the Senators in training camp.
The Senators hope that free agent coups Scottie Upshall and Mathieu Garon will provide experience and stability in their respective positions. Scottie will look to challenge for a top-six spot while Mathieu will make an excellent back-up for Anderson to finally give the Senators a solid goaltending tandem.
New head coach Lindy Ruff, after serving 13 years behind the Sabres bench and spending a total of 23 years with the organization, will look for a fresh start in Ottawa. Ruff is expected to live up to his name, holding players accountable and getting the most out of the youngsters. When asked about his qualms with Bryan Murray just over three years ago, the two laughed it off at a press conference,
"I'd still be able to kick his ass" Ruff denounced, chuckling.
Without missing a beat, Murray, laughing, fired back, "Just remember, you work for me now."
The new energy around the club is expected to provide a much-needed morale boost to the club, who were rumoured to have quit on fired coach Cory Clouston.
Without any further moves, the Senators today announced their 2011-2012 training camp roster:
Forwards (29):
Jason Spezza
Daniel Alfredsson
Milan Michalek
David Perron
Zack Smith
Chris Neil
Scottie Upshall
Stephane Da Costa
Marty Reasoner
Scott Parse
Bobby Butler
Colin Greening
Erik Condra
Roman Wick
Mike Hoffman
Corey Cowick
Cody Bass
Jim O'Brien
Derek Grant
David Dziurzynski
Corey Locke
Ryan Potulny
Jonathan Huberdeau
Jakob Silfverberg
Andre Petersson
Mark Stone
Pat Cannone
Kaspars Daugavins
Wacey Hamilton
Defensemen (14):
Sergei Gonchar
Chris Phillips
Erik Karlsson
Brian Lee
Matt Carkner
Jared Cowen
David Rundblad
Patrick Wiercioch
Eric Gryba
David Hale
Andre Benoit
Craig Schira
Derek Smith
Bryan Rodney
Goaltenders (5):
Craig Anderson
Mathieu Garon
Robin Lehner
Barry Brust
Mike Brodeur
Projected 2011-2012 Lineup
David Perron - Jason Spezza - Milan Michalek
Scottie Upshall - Jonathan Huberdeau/Stephane Da Costa - Daniel Alfredsson
Colin Greening - Marty Reasoner - Bobby Butler
Scott Parse - Zack Smith - Chris Neil
Sergei Gonchar - Erik Karlsson
Chris Phillips - Brian Lee
Jared Cowen - David Rundblad
Matt Carkner
Craig Anderson
Mathieu Garon
final roster 
I'll put it back to normal when the Caps are out.
