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Yes, Crawford, who has a wealth of coaching experience and went 7-10-1 with Ottawa after taking over from Guy Boucher when he was fired March 1, remains a top candidate, but the Senators want to make sure they do a complete search. Dorion is going to be thorough before making a final decision on what route to go with the new hire.

The club may also be waiting to see if there are any coaching changes as a result of some of the unexpected first-round exits.

The Senators are heading into their second full season of a complete rebuild and the decision to speak with Martin is based on the club’s desire to improve defensively. He spent eight years behind the Ottawa bench from 1996-to-2004 and there are some in the organization who believe he might be exactly what the team needs.

Martin was fired in 2004 when the Senators failed to beat the Toronto Maple Leafs for the fourth time in franchise history in the post-season. But, the Senators aren’t his only option and according to TSN’s Darren Dreger the 66-year-old Martin has emerged as a top candidate for the vacant post with the Buffalo Sabres as well.

Martin has ties with Buffalo GM Jason Botterill from their days together with the Penguins and the indications are the Sabres may prefer somebody with experience to help lead the charge. Buffalo had interest in former New York Rangers’ coach Alain Vigneault before he signed a deal with the Philadelphia Flyers.

Naturally, the Senators wouldn’t mind bringing Martin, a native of nearby St. Pascal, Ont., home if Dorion determines he’s the right choice for the job. The Senators gave up a whopping 302 goals last season and Dorion has stated that the club has to improve in its own end if Ottawa is to have any chance of making the playoffs next season.