OTTAWA -- Bryan Murray was there to talk about re-signing his award-winning head coach to a contract extension, but the main topic of conversation was his veteran captains future. "I guess its the big issue in town now," the Ottawa Senators general manager told reporters Thursday. "I didnt realize it was that big an issue because were going to get it done I would assume." Murray is confident hell re-sign Daniel Alfredsson despite reports that several teams may be courting the Swedish star when the free agency period begins Friday. Working on the premise of a one-year deal, Murray is waiting to hear back from Alfredssons agent J.P. Barry. "I have not heard the dollar figure at this point," Murray said during a news conference to discuss head coach Paul MacLeans three-year contract extension. The two sides were expected to discuss details later Thursday, Murray said, adding that hes been disappointed by reports suggesting the Senators and owner Eugene Melnyk are being cheap with the 40-year-old Alfredsson. "I wish people would just wait for some facts to come out before they make stories up thats all," said Murray. Murray also confirmed David Clarkson spent the day in Ottawa on Wednesday as the Senators try to convince the 29-year-old winger that he would be a good fit with the team. Clarkson, who spent the last six seasons with the New Jersey Devils, recorded 15 goals and nine assists this season and isnt afraid to go to the net, a quality the Senators could use. "Hes competitive, gritty, tough and last full season he got 30 goals," said Murray. "We hope that he chooses us, unfortunately we dont dictate all of it. Im sure hell have a number of options, but he is one person we have targeted and he fits the role that were really looking for." Clarkson is good friends with Senators centre Jason Spezza, which the Senators hope will help sway the Toronto native. Historically, Murray hasnt been overly active on the opening day of free agency, but said Melnyk has given him permission to sign a free agent if the right player is available. Clarkson made $2.6 million last season and will obviously be looking for a raise. With just over $43 million committed next season, the Senators are extremely close to the $44 million salary floor. "I dont think well be a floor team and I dont think well be a cap team," said Murray. "Well be in there somewhere." Murray believes the Senators are a desirable destination for players. The team has been competitive, shows promise for future success, has a strong coaching staff and has a good reputation among players. "Were a team now that is recognized as a place to come and play," he said. Cheap New Balance Shoes Australia . 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Getting set to go their separate ways for a short Christmas break, the Raptors coach credited his team for their effort on a seemingly impossible three-game road trip, urging them to build on that success when they get back to work at the end of the week. MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- Charlotte reserve center Spencer Hawes walked by the lockers of Hornets guards Kemba Walker and Jeremy Lamb with words of praise.Way to play, Huskies, Hawes said.The UConn duo of Walker and Lamb scored 21 points apiece, helping Charlotte build an early lead and coast to a 104-85 victory Monday night over the Memphis Grizzlies.Lamb provided a boost in the first half with a pair of 3-pointers off the bench to erase an early Memphis advantage, and Walker added steady scoring throughout the night. They were a combined 14 of 25 from the field, including 7 for 13 on 3-point attempts.I just tried to bring energy. When youre coming off the bench, you always want to bring energy, Lamb said.Michael Kidd-Gilchrist had 14 points and Frank Kaminsky added 12 for the Hornets, who won their second straight after a four-game losing streak.Marc Gasol led Memphis with 19 points and eight rebounds. Mike Conley had 14 points before leaving in the third quarter with a lower back injury.I was feeling like today was a day we could come in here and get a home win, said Memphis guard Tony Allen, who had nine points and two steals. This was a winnable game, and it took me by surprise.The largest scoring discrepancy in the game was at the free throw line, where the Hornets converted 23 of 31. Meanwhile, Memphis was 6 of 13, a difference that agitated the Grizzlies much of the night.Charlotte, which already led by 19 in the first half, extended the lead in the third quarter as Memphis became unhinged complaining about calls and relying -- mostly unsuccessfully -- on 3-pointers to try to get back in the game.And when Conley went to the locker room, it led to more disorganized play from Memphis.That hurt them a lot. He just brings so much for their team. Hes their leader, Walker said.TIP-INSHornets: G Nicolas Batum, who missed Saturdays win over the Knicks with a corneal abrasion, returned to action and started. He finished with six points. ... After committing five turnovers in the firstt quarter, the Hornets had nine more the rest of the way.dddddddddddd Charlotte has the second-lowest turnover average in the NBA at 11.6 per game.Grizzlies: Their 14 points in the second quarter was a season low in that period for Memphis, and a season low for any quarter except nine points in the fourth against New Orleans in the fifth game of the season. ... Gasol had a four-point play near the midway point of the fourth. ... F Jarell Martin posted his first career double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds.LAMB NOT SILENTLamb set a season high in points for the second straight game. He had 18 against the Knicks on Saturday. In addition to his 21 points vs. Memphis, he grabbed nine rebounds. (Im) just trying to lean on my teammates and my hard work. Everybody is encouraging me, Lamb said, later adding: Over the summer, I really tried to work on my mindset, whether things are going good or bad.SWEET REVENGEMemphis defeated the Hornets 105-90 in Charlotte on Nov. 21, and Walker remembered the bitter taste after the Grizzlies scored 69 first-half points and held a 25-point cushion at the break. They came to our house and beat us, and we wanted to come back and get this win back, he said. We didnt play the way we were capable of that night, and they brought it to us. They beat us up pretty bad. It was definitely a revenge game in my mind.CONLEY OUTConley left with 8:25 left in the third quarter after taking a charge from Kidd-Gilchrist and did not return. Conley was not in the locker room after the game, and team officials said his condition would be evaluated Tuesday. We dont know the status just yet, Memphis coach David Fizdale said. Were waiting to hear.UP NEXTHornets: Return home Tuesday to face the Detroit Pistons.Grizzlies: Travel to Toronto to face the Raptors on Wednesday, the sixth of seven straight games against Eastern Conference teams. ' ' '