BY IAN MENDES
sportsnet.ca

Before answering his first question on Wednesday morning, Ottawa Senators general manager Bryan Murray wanted to set the record straight regarding a rumour that he tried to fire head coach Cory Clouston last month.

"First thing that I'd like to clear up that is wrong, is that I never called Eugene Melnyk and suggested that we fire the coach," Murray said, responding to a recent Toronto Sun report that stated otherwise. "I don't know where that started. I just know you guys (media) wanted the truth out there. And that is factual."

But Murray's denial should not necessarily be construed as a vote of confidence for the head coach. When asked directly if Clouston would finish the season as head coach of the Ottawa Senators, Murray was vague about the head coach's job security.

"I'm not going to answer a question like that because I don't know. We go to Chicago, we come home and play Tampa and then we go on the road the following week. I can't answer that honestly and I've talked to the staff about that," Murray explained. "We're all in a position where we have to do a better job."

For his part, Clouston did not offer much insight into his own status, dodging the questions about his future being on shaky ground.

"That was asked the other day. My job hasn't changed and that's my focus - it's going to be the exact same thing as it's always been and that's to win games," Clouston replied.

Murray met with the players and coaching staff on Wednesday to address some of the team's issues. The Senators are currently sitting in 12th place in the Eastern Conference, eight points out of a playoff spot. The general manager indicated his displeasure at the team's performance in the meeting at the rink.

He admitted that if the club does not start winning games in the next couple of weeks, they have a plan to start moving players around the Feb. 28th trade deadline.

"I don't think we need a major shake up. We have a plan going forward one way or another," added Murray, who said he spoke to several GMs in Buffalo during the World Junior Hockey Championships. "We are ready to do what we have to do and it's based on performance. If we run to the deadline and we have no chance whatsoever, then there will have to be some moves made."

If the Senators continue to struggle, Murray may look at moving veterans like Chris Phillips, Jarkko Ruutu and Alex Kovalev, who are all set to become unrestricted free agents this summer. Other players like Mike Fisher and Sergei Gonchar, who have years left on their contracts, might also be dangled in trade talks if there are any interested teams.

Murray met with Phillips on Tuesday in Ottawa to advise him of the club's plans going forward. Phillips, who would have to waive his no-movement clause to be traded, said the meeting with Murray could be characterized as positive.

"It went well. It was a good discussion about a lot of things. I don't wish to be too descriptive about what was said," Phillips stated. "We do have a bit of a plan to follow and see what happens. But I think it's best to keep that behind closed doors."

Murray also indicated that if the team does not win a couple of their upcoming games against Chicago, Tampa Bay and Boston, rookie netminder Robin Lehner may be called up to give the team a boost.

Murray has also heard the calls from fans who want to see him replaced as general manager. Like Clouston and the rest of the hockey operations staff, Murray is in the last year of his contract.

"I'm a fiery guy and I'm a guy who wants to be around. And I want this team to be on the upswing when I step away," said Murray. "I don't think anyone wants to walk away when the team is not performing up to scratch."

Owner Eugene Melnyk has also been in constant contact with Murray over the past few weeks, to get the latest updates from his general manager. Murray says that Melnyk is frustrated, but does not want to make any irrational decisions.

"The on-going discussions (with Melnyk) are just okay -- he's not patting me on the back real hard. But he's also not so out of it that we have to do drastic things here," Murray said.