Senators GM Bryan Murray made a pitch that would have certainly improved the club’s blueline in the hours before free agency opened Wednesday.

It’s believed the Senators were among a group of teams that spoke to the Vancouver Canucks about defenceman Kevin Bieksa before he was dealt to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for a second round pick in the 2016 NHL entry draft Tuesday night before free agency opened.

The reality is the 34-year-old Bieksa had a no-trade clause he could exercise so he was able to dictate where he ended up which is why after a deal fell through with the San Jose Sharks last Friday in Fort Lauderdale, he ended up landing with the Ducks.

There were several teams involved in the discussions with the Canucks including the St. Louis Blues. In the end, Bieksa controlled his own destiny and it’s believed one way or another he wanted to go to the Golden State.

- Bruce Garrioch