I AM PLEASED WITH HIS (PIERRE DORION’S) PERFORMANCE.

Since word leaked Saturday the Senators had asked captain Erik Karlsson for his no-trade list and Postmedia reported Monday Dorion was open for business after Saturday’s 5-0 loss in San Jose, his phone has been ringing off the hook from counterparts looking to make a deal.

Dorion has to determine whether he wants to strike at the core of the team with a move or add without subtracting to see if that might be what the Senators need to get back into playoff position. At this point, it would appear that both scenarios are on the table.

The belief in league circles is Dorion wouldn’t mind being able to move a roster player to acquire somebody younger that might have upside potential. The key targets in trade discussions have been winger Mike Hoffman and defenceman Cody Ceci along with centres Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Derick Brassard, a playoff performer.

In a perfect world, Dorion would like to make a move before the NHL’s holiday roster freeze kicks in Tuesday. Since the world is far from perfect and making a trade can be nearly impossible at times, the Senators may have to wait until after the holiday season to try to make a change or two.

Between now and then, Dorion does have the option of calling up players from the club’s American Hockey League affiliate in Belleville, Ont., or putting players on waivers for re-assignment. At this juncture, all options are on the table and Dorion