Gerber wants more playing time with Senators, or a ticket out of town

Back-up goalie Martin Gerber tells Chris Stevenson of the Ottawa Sun that he has made it clear to Senators management he would like to move on if he does not receive more playing time in Ottawa.

“At the end of the season I said (to Murray), ‘I need to play.’ I want to play. It doesn’t matter where it is at this point. I have to be playing to get my career going again.’ Those were the words we had.”

But while the Senators have shopped him around the league, teams have not line-up to take Gerber and his $3.75 million annual salary off their hands, especially after his poor performance last season.

Another option could for the Senators would be to send Gerber to their AHL affiliate.

But with starter Ray Emery coming off surgery, it may not come to that. In fact, it’s possible that Gerber will see an increase in his playing time. It’s also possible that the Swiss netminder could regain his role as the team’s number one, and stay with the Senators.

Whatever may happen, Gerber says he remains focused on getting ready for the season and contributing to the Senators.

“My personal goal is to get back in net, get as much ice time as possible, as quick as possible.”

“All I have to do at this point is provide good practice and good games and do whatever I can to make the team better,” he said. “That’s pretty much all I have to focus on now. Everything else is not in my hands.”