Reports stating that star centre Jason Spezza wouldn't oppose to being traded out of Ottawa as he was unhappy with the treatment he was receiving from the fans and having the playoff loss blamed on him.

At the 2010 NHL Entry Draft in Los Angeles, Spezza was being shopped by Sens' GM Bryan Murray. If Spezza were to be traded, Murray would have had to hit the jackpot, as he — due to circumstances he could not control — got swindled in the Dany Heatley trade the previous summer.

Murray found no deals to his liking at the draft and Spezza's no-trade clause kicked in on July 1. Spezza and the Sens made nice and both reconfirmed their commitments to each other and the success of the team.

UFAs

Leading up to July 1 and free agency, Ottawa had four UFAs and three RFAs to deal with. All four UFAs have since left for greener pastures, with long-time Senator Anton Volchenkov being the biggest departure.

Volchenkov was the hard rock defenseman that laid out unsuspecting forwards with Scott Stevens-esque open ice hits. Usually among the leaders in hits and blocked shots per season, Volchenkov was half of the Sens' shutdown pairing with Chris Phillips. Moving on to New Jersey with a six-year, $25.5 million contract, Volchenkov will leave a big hole in the Sens' defense.

As for the Sens' other three UFAs, Matt Cullen and Andy Sutton had a cup of coffee with Ottawa as they were picked up at the trade deadline for the playoff push. Ottawa wished to keep Cullen, but his playoff performance (8 points in 6 games) along with his 48 points in the regular season priced him out of Ottawa's range. Cullen signed on with Minnesota for 3 years and $10.5 million.

Sutton gave the world the greatest sound bite ever during his time with the Sens. 'The Expert' destroyed many with his house-like frame, but proved to be too slow in the playoffs. He'll now be leading the 'Flying V' in Anaheim for the next two years.

Shean 'Chum' Donovan is the last of Ottawa's UFAs, but has yet to find a new home. Underused by coach Cory Clouston, Chum was always a professional and had a team-first attitude. Slowed by injury last season, Donovan has speed to burn and is a tireless worker. As a fan favorite and home town boy, Sens nation are holding out hope for his return in some capacity.

RFAs

Of their three RFAs, Ottawa's priority was signing promising, young forward Peter Regin. Playing his first full season in the NHL, Regin had a respectable 29 points in 75 games. But when injuries landed Regin on the first line to Spezza's left, Regin exploded. He was a force in the playoffs and conjured up memories of a young Daniel Alfredsson. Re-signed at $1 million per for the next two seasons, look for Regin to burst out this season playing on the first two lines.

Nick Foligno had an injury-plagued campaign last season and only posted 26 points in 61 games. Re-signing for two years at $1.2 million per, the former first rounder needs to figure out what kind of player he is. Is he a goal scorer like his dad, or a bruiser like his younger brother?

Chris Campoli was brought in for a high price, and too many has not lived up to his billing. Re-signing for one year at $1.4 million, Campoli has fallen in the depth chart and has to re-establish himself. With many young d-men coming up, Campoli will have to earn his next contract with the Sens.

Saying Goodbye

The Cheechoo Train has left the station. As a necessary evil in the Heatley trade, Jonathan Cheechoo never regained his Rocket Richard form. Only scoring five goals in 61 games, Cheechoo ended the season in the AHL. Bought out of the last year of his contract, Cheechoo will most likely be seen on the back of a milk carton than in a NHL jersey anytime soon.

New in Town

The Senators made the first big splash of free agency as they signed All-Star defenseman Sergei Gonchar to a three-year, $16.5 million contract out of the gate. Searching for the elusive puck-mover, Gonchar can man the powerplay and mentor Erik Karlsson as the future leader of the Ottawa blueline.

By landing Gonchar, the Sens hurt their rivals, the Pittsburgh Penguins, who they have met the last few years in the playoffs. Hopefully with the Russian on their side, the Sens will be able to get the better of Sid the Kid and Gino.

And speaking of Russians, the Sens hope Gonchar will help Alex Kovalev wake up out of his coma and regain his magic. On the powerplay, where these two earn their money, the Sens should be a top ten team on the man advantage.

A New Team Attitude

With the subtraction of Volchenkov and Sutton, the Sens' defensive game plan has changed to an offensive attack with the addition of Gonchar. Moving the puck and attacking the offensive zone will be the new plan.

The Sens may be less physical and won't block as many shots this year on the backend. But they are changing the old saying with their new plan of attack – 'the best offense is a good defense.' With the defense pushing the tempo, their transition game will be the best defense.

Who Needs To Step Up

Spezza needs to prove why he is going to be the next leader of this team after Alfie retires. Is he a soft playmaking centre or a force to be reckoned with?

Who is the real Pascal Leclaire? The injury prone, shaky goalie from last season or the playoff savior? A year away from UFA status, Leclaire needs to figure it out and live up to his starter potential. Or be cast off as a risky option in goal.

Kovalev is the key to the Sens' success. If he wants to play, and be the star he is, Ottawa will be a threat in the East. In a contract year, and his NHL future unclear, L'Artiste needs a big year to get another contract offer. If not, the KHL awaits.

Who to Watch For

Erik Karlsson, the heir to the throne, was the Sens best defenseman at the end of last season. Look for Karlsson to play on the powerplay with Gonchar, learning how to quarterback it from an all-star. Improving every game he played, Karlsson will be the future leader of the Sens' defense corps.

Brian Elliott played surprisingly well in his first full season. But he collapsed in the playoffs. A quick learner, watch for Elliott to give Leclaire a run for his money.

Peter Regin will be the best bargain in the NHL this year. Earning a million and possibly playing with Spezza and Alfie, Regin could be in the 25 to 30 goal range this season. Watch for a huge campaign this year.

A Look Ahead

The Sens' core has been together for a long time. But as it ages, and playoff defeats mount, things will begin to change. In two years time, the Sens' line-up could be drastically different. With contracts coming off the books, prospects knocking on the door, and retirements looming, the current core has a small window to go for it all.