For those who thought that the Habs should've gone after Arnason ...

From TSN's site:

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=169791&hubname=

OTTAWA (CP) - The Ottawa Senators declined to make a contract qualifying offer to Tyler Arnason before the Monday deadline, making the veteran centre an unrestricted free agent July 1.

Arnason was a flop after being acquired from Chicago for forward Brandon Bochenski last winter. In 19 games, Arnason had no goals and four assists. He was a healthy scratch during the playoffs.

He was being paid $1.2 million US last season, and GM John Muckler said Monday that he couldn't work the American into his budget for next season.

"I still think he's going to play in the NHL and probably get a contract somewhere else," said Muckler. "We asked him if he'd take a reduction in pay and he refused to do that.

"Our assessment was that we could do better in the free agency or trade markets."



Arnason "wasn't in good shape at all" when he reported from the Blackhawks, said Muckler.

Meanwhile, talks continue to retain the services of defencemen Zdeno Chara and Wade Redden, both of whom can become unrestricted free agents July 1.

The Senators' goaltending situation remains unclear. Ray Emery and Dominik Hasek might both be back, said Muckler. Or maybe not.

"I wish I could but it's still not clear," Muckler said when asked if he could clarify things. "We're still exploring all our options."

He was in the Roberto Luongo sweepstakes last weekend.

"I'm not going to comment on the players were offered but we felt it was fair and it was rejected," said Muckler.