The Ottawa Senators are coming off what is easily their worst season in franchise history, and one can't help but think the organization has nowhere to go but down.

For starters, team captain and generational defenceman Erik Karlsson is likely getting traded some time between now and next year's deadline. Karlsson's wife, Melinda, filed an order of protection against Mike Hoffman's wife over harassment and cyber bullying. Hoffman was eventually traded.

On top of that, owner Eugene Melnyk threatened to relocate the team, and often criticized the fans for declining attendance. That led to many fans putting up billboards around the city that read "#MelnykOut."

But despite the miserable season and ongoing tension inside the organization, Ottawa sniper Matt Duchene voiced his desire to re-up with the team. Acquired in a three-team trade last year, Duchene is entering the final year of his contract.

"I'd love for it to work out. Obviously it’s my home province, three hours from home, Canadian city,Duchene said, via The Canadian Press (h/t TSN). " It’s a great situation for me so it would be awesome if things could work out that’s for sure

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Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports

Duchene also noted that he and GM Pierre Dorion have had contract talks, which is a good sign for Senators fans. Should the Sens wind up trading Karlsson, that leaves them plenty of room to re-sign Duchene and reliable two-way forward Mark Stone, who's also eligible for UFA status next year.

The 27-year-old Duchene got off to a bad start with his new team, but he caught fire down the stretch and finished with 23 goals and 49 points in 68 games. The Senators can also expect to get plenty of production out of top prospects Thomas Chabot, Brady Tkachuk and Colin White.

Duchene also said he believes the Senators have the chance to surprise a lot of people, while noting the ongoing drama in the organization didn't play a role in their difficult season.

The Senators are known for being very budget-conscious when it comes to negotiating extensions with their key players, but players like Duchene simply don't grow on trees. Senators fans simply have to hope that ownership will give Dorion the green light to meet Duchene's asking price.

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