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Under contract already with the Senators for next season are captain Erik Karlsson and fellow defencemen Mark Borowiecki and Ben Harpur. Cody Ceci is a restricted free agent, but he’ll be back. Thomas Chabot has a two-way deal that pays him one salary at the NHL level and a lower one if he’s in the minors, but he has a spot locked up.

Signed from the University of North Dakota to finish the season, Christian Wolanin was impressive, but he may still need some time with the American Hockey League affiliate n Belleville.

What happens with another restricted free agent, Fredrik Claesson, could be what determines the fate of Wideman.

To say Claesson had a difficult season 2017-18 would be an understatement. The Senators must decide if they want to give him a qualifying offer or let him become an unrestricted free agent.

“There’s a lot going on there right now,” Wideman said. “Fortunately, I started the year strong last year and I’ve played two full years already. I don’t really have to prove myself in the league and there are teams out there that know what I’m capable of doing.

“I don’t know what (the Senators) are truly thinking and where they are. We’ll see how it all shakes out. I’ve played with most of these guys for the last six years. We’ve all kind of grown up together and we’re all close. It’s been a second home to me.

“It’s very comfortable, I’m familiar with the staff and the city, so it wouldn’t be a heartbreaker to come back.”

Last week, Wideman received clearance to resume playing by New York surgeon Dr. Bryan Kelly. He had been ahead of schedule in his recovery, but he spent two months training in California after the season to ensure he would return to full health.