"If you look at the way we played last year, to the way we're playing this year, we've made a huge step forward," Gonchar told the Sun. "We're making progress pretty much every game and I like the direction that we're going. This team is going the right way."
However, several teams around the league, including the Chicago Blackhawks, the Detroit Red Wings and the Boston Bruins, are looking for help on the blueline and Gonchar could provide the Sens with a second-round pick and a mid-round pick and possibly a younger, cheaper defenseman as a return.
Senators GM Bryan Murray has mentioned his concern about changing the chemistry of his club by making moves, even more so now that young blueliner Erik Karlsson has been mentored by Gonchar.
Murray has been working hard to keep Karlsson, who is set to become a restricted free agent on July 1 and is expected to be in the $5.5 million range on his new contract, similar to what Gonchar is making.
"We have good chemistry and it seems like all the guys are getting along very well," Gonchar added. "It's not my decision, but I would say, 'Yes' (he'd like to stay)."
The Senators currently sit in seventh place of the Eastern Conference with 70 points and are set to make a run at the post-season, which Gonchar would like to be part of.
"We were picked No. 15 in the league. Everybody felt this was going to be one of those years and next year would be the year we'd play better. We've surprised everybody and we've got a real good chance to make the playoffs."
In 54 games with the Sens this season, Gonchar has collected two goals and 29 assists for 31 points.
More Trade Deadline Info
List of Trades
| No-Trade/No-Movement Clauses
| Top 25 Available Players
| Team-by-Team Cap Info
