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There is no reason for the Ottawa Senators to worry.

This isn’t the end of the world.

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No, it’s not ideal that veteran defenceman Dion Phaneuf wouldn’t waive his ‘no move’ clause to be exposed to the Vegas Golden Knights in next week’s expansion draft so the club can protect Marc Methot, but there’s absolutely no reason for the Senators to panic because they likely knew this scenario was coming.

Though Vegas GM George McPhee would willingly accept an asset in return from the Senators in exchange for not touching Methot in the draft, Ottawa GM Pierre Dorion could easily roll the dice and take the chance the 31-year-old may not be selected by the Golden Knights any way. That way the Senators don’t have to give up an asset just to keep from losing one.

No, losing Methot isn’t what the Senators want because he plays big minutes, has two years left on his deal with a salary of $4.9 million per-season and he’s comfortable with captain Erik Karlsson. There is no question Ottawa would rather keep Methot in the fold, but the word is McPhee wants a lot in return not to take players.