"Sens have come out through media as saying they'd like Duchene and Stone to be part of the core moving forward" What else would they say? They have to give the impression to the team and the fans, there is hope for this year and next few years. Sure it would be great if the Sens could retain these players, the Sens have the cap, but realistically if Stone and Duchene can think they do about as well financially and "emotionally", why wouldn't they try their luck as UFAs? Same with Duchene and Stone, at least publicly they will put on, "I want to be a long time Senator " face on.

And Duchene is quoted as saying he'd like to stay, too. So What? This is all so that the four big UFA's (I'm assuming they move Karlsson early) won't get tomatoed on their way in or out of the arena. My prediction is that Ceci, Duchene, Dzingel and Stone all move on after the season.