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The Ottawa Senators are currently losing to the Pittsburgh Penguins 1-0. Pascal Dupuis scored a pretty goal off of a Sidney Crosby feed on a cleared zone-exit. That's about all the excitement at CONSOL through the first twenty.

Discussion, though, has turned quickly to the mega-talented Colorado Avalanche center Ryan O'Reilly in the past hour. It started with Milan Michalek's late scratch -- the team is calling it a lower-body injury, but Michalek did skate with the team during warm-ups. At the time, it just seemed like Michalek had fallen victim to the injury bug ravaging Ottawa all season-long.

Then, at first intermission, TSN's Bob McKenzie -- as dialed in as any into this situation -- speculated during "The Quiz" that the Ottawa Senators would be the team most likely to land the Colorado Avalanche center, who is currently locked in a contract dispute with his former team.

Are these tied together, or simply independent events? Whatever the case may be, I think it's safe to say that Ottawa is an early front-runner to land O'Reilly's services, if only based on Bob McKenzie's expert insight.

One potential hurdle is Milan Michalek's pricy contract. If Colorado's trying to keep their team salary down, it would have to involve either additional pieces, or another team. Also interesting to note that an Anaheim Ducks scout has been following Ottawa around -- he's again been spotted in Pittsburgh on Wednesday night.

One thing is certain, though: he won't be cheap. Colorado's waiting for the best offer, and the kid can play.

Back with more as it comes.

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