The Ottawa Senators have no hard feelings toward Dion Phaneuf.

After the defenseman denied a request to waive his no-movement clause and free up an expansion draft slot, the Senators are now back to square one in preparing for the Vegas Golden Knights.

But while the move would have made life easier for Senators GM Pierre Dorion - who'd hoped to protect defensemen Erik Karlsson, Marc Methot, and Cody Ceci ahead of Phaneuf - he told reporters Thursday there's no ill will for the veteran blue-liner.

"Dion is a pro. He's been around the league for many years," Dorion said. "My respect for Dion hasn't changed. It's still the same. I still think he's a big part of this team and the fact that he wants to be here tells me a lot about him."

With the Senators likely to opt for the 7-3-1 format - meaning they'll protect seven forwards, three defensemen (which must include Phaneuf), and a goaltender - the team could now consider dealing Methot or Ceci to avoid exposing them.

As for Phaneuf, while he was apparently unwilling to risk getting scooped up by the Golden Knights, he's provided the Senators a list of 12 teams to which he would accept a trade.

The 32-year-old arrived in Ottawa in 2016 following a trade from the Toronto Maple Leafs. He appeared in all but one game this past season, notching nine goals and 21 assists.

Phaneuf has four years remaining on his contract, carrying a $7-million annual cap hit.

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