The Ottawa Senators need a little more wiggle room.

In preparing for the upcoming expansion draft for the Vegas Golden Knights, the Senators have asked defenseman Dion Phaneuf to waive his no-movement clause, according to Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Citizen.

Exposing Phaneuf to the Golden Knights would allow the Senators to protect another defenseman - likely Marc Methot - should the team opt to cover three blue-liners and seven forwards. Alternatively, the Senators could protect four defensemen and four forwards.

Phaneuf, 32, has four years remaining on his contract, which carries a $7-million cap hit. According to CapFriendly, Phaneuf holds a modified no-trade clause, while he can grant a deal to 10 teams of his choosing.

Phaneuf has yet to provide an answer to Senators general manager Pierre Dorion, while the deadline for his decision has been set for Friday at 5 p.m. ET. If Phaneuf declines to waive his clause, thus being protected from Vegas, Dorion may try to trade Methot before the roster freeze.

The Golden Knights will announce their expansion draft selections on June 21 as part of the NHL Awards ceremony.

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