Ottawa Senators want veteran Dion Phaneuf to waive no-movement clause in contract

The Ottawa Senators want veteran defenseman Dion Phaneuf to waive his no-movement clause, according to a published report.

The reasoning for Ottawa's thinking is that by waiving the clause, the team will not have to protect Phaneuf for the upcoming NHL expansion draft, TSN reported.

Phaneuf, who just completed his first full season with the Senators, has yet to make a decision.

The expansion draft to stock the roster of the Vegas Golden Knights will be held on June 21.

The 32-year-old Phaneuf was the centerpiece of a blockbuster nine-player deal between Ottawa and the Toronto Maple Leafs at the trade deadline in February 2016.

A longtime captain of the Maple Leafs, Phaneuf had nine goals and 21 assists this season for the Senators, who lost in the Eastern Conference finals to Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh.

Phaneuf, a first-team NHL All-Star in 2007-08, has appeared in 902 regular-season games with Calgary, Toronto and Ottawa, registering 130 goals and 332 assists.