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Sitting well out of a playoff spot, it’s time to get down to brass tacks.

The biggest question facing Dorion is simple: Does he rebuild, or does he retool?

Sitting 14 points out of the final wildcard spot in the East after a 4-1 loss to the Montreal Canadiens Sunday, the Senators will face some tough decisions because Dorion has been doing a lot of talking with several teams calling to see exactly what he wants for key players.

Dorion and his staff are trying to determine the best course of action to take. The Senators shouldn’t over-react to having a bad season and tear it apart just for the sake of making changes. With the club less than a year removed from a trip the East final, that might prove hasty.

A total rebuild would mean sending good players packing and bringing in return draft picks, prospects or a combination of both. Yes, the way the Senators have played this season has left a lot to be desired, but a tear down may mean missing the playoffs next season so a retool with significant changes makes more sense.

There’s no question Dorion is going to have plenty of options at the deadline.

There’s no shortage of interest in the likes of forwards Mike Hoffman, Zack Smith and Jean-Gabriel Pageau along with defenceman Cody Ceci. Hoffman, Smith and Pageau are attracting the most attention, but it would take a lot for Dorion to trade the latter on that list because, when Pageau’s at his best, he plays a much needed role here.

If any of that trio is dealt they’d have to bring a high return because Dorion is in the driver’s seat and doesn’t have to move any of them. The Calgary Flames have been following the Senators for nearly two weeks with scouts at most of their games and there’s talk they like either Smith or Pageau.