Ottawa Senators general manager Bryan Murray remains intent on adding a significant piece to his roster.

Speaking at the club's Fanfest on Sunday, Murray said he explored several options on the free-agent market and even attempted to trade for a top-six forward during the summer, and will continue to pursue such a player should the spot not be filled internally.

"Hopefully someone here can take that spot or part way through the year, if we have to, go looking hard and make a big deal to get that type of player," Murray said, according to Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun.

As it stands, the Senators' top six is expected to loom something like this:

LW C RW Clarke MacArthur Kyle Turris Mark Stone Mike Hoffman Mika Zibanejad Bobby Ryan

Where Murray is looking to upgrade isn't quite clear, although Mark Stone, Mike Hoffman, and Mika Zibanejad remain relatively unproven despite taking big steps forward last season.

Ottawa enters the season with close to $8 million in available cap space and appear ready and willing to invest in forward help should the need persist.