One question that arises is, what effect does the owner’s absence of a vote of confidence, and the declaration by the GM that he is trying to make a trade and can’t, have on the morale of the club?

If the Senators are a fragile hockey team for reasons pertaining to their current position in the standings, one can only imagine the precarious state of mind of the players and the coaching staff knowing they could be gone any day now.

In addition, upcoming UFAs may look askance at an organization that can’t seem to figure out where it is going.

The Islanders have had this problem for years, and continue to suffer on the ice and at the gate as a result.

In a worst case scenario, the fans, especially season ticket holders, may see this apparent dysfunctionality as a signal that they are not getting value for their dollar.

Looking ahead to the impending drop in the salary cap as explained by the NHLPA’s Paul Kelly in a Corus Sports Radio interview this morning, teams will be expected to trim another $5 million from their cap hit.

The long term deals Ottawa is locked into may, then, have further detrimental impact in terms of limiting their flexibility, and ability to make changes.

Bryan Murray has shown he can make good decisions drafting young talent while in Anaheim and Detroit, and some of his selections like Erik Karlsson appear sound.

Assuming he remains at his post long enough, he may get the opportunity to decide whether his next pick is Victor Hedman or John Tavares.

Posted by davetherave from Ottawa, Canada on 01/09/09 at 02:17 PM ET