When asked by the Sun what needs to improve to become a stronger contender, Murray answered that his club needs to add a stay-at-home defenseman and, possibly a top-six forward to play alongside Kyle Turris.
"Our goaltending was really solid, we've got depth there, no question some decisions have to be made on the blueline. Offensively on the blueline, we're really good," Murray told the Sun. "We have to find out if one of these (UFAs) we have will come back and be solid or do we have to go get another guy? Up front, we’re always looking for somebody to step in and score goals. That line (captain Daniel Alfredsson) played with Turris, if we had one more guy that could score consistently or be a 20-to-25 goal scorer would make our team different."
While waiting for a decision on Alfredsson's potential retirement is key, winger Nick Foligno, who plays on the left side of Turris, has been asked to perform better next season, especially if Alfie, who Murray considers one of the best players on the team, does not return.
"That is exactly what I asked Nick (Saturday), 'Are you going to be that guy? Are you going to be that guy that improves this summer strength-wise, getting up and down the ice a little better?' He thinks he can, so I've challenged him a little bit in that area," Murray said.
Meanwhile, signing restricted free agent defenseman Erik Karlsson will be one of the top priorities. Speculation suggests that the 21-year-old will demand a contract in the $6.5-7.5 million per-season range, though Murray does not appear to be concerned about an agreement.
"I'm not worried about Erik. We'll get a deal done. It's not going to be hurried up by any means," he added. "We'll talk over the next few weeks, probably to his agent to start."
No decisions have yet to be made on impending unrestricted free agents Filip Kuba, Matt Carkner and Zenon Konopka, although all three are hoping to stay in Ottawa. Murray was also non-committal to all restricted free agents, which include Peter Regin, Jim O'Brien, Kaspars Daugavins, and Foligno.
Murray could also go shopping on July 1 if it allows speeding up the process of improving the team.
"I've talked to (owner) Eugene (Melnyk), if there's an opportunity; he's been very fair in the past and will be going forward." Murray said. "If we can help ourselves, and make the right decision, I can't imagine he'll be anything other than positive in doing that."
