Hammond rejects conditioning stint

Ottawa Senators goaltender Andrew Hammond has said thanks, but no thanks to a trial run in the AHL, reports Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Citizen.

Sidelined with a groin injury earlier in the year, Hammond has seen limited playing time this season, appearing in just two games and last playing Oct. 28 versus the Calgary Flames.

The Senators, who are carrying three goalies - Hammond, Craig Anderson, and Mike Condon - believed a conditioning stint in Binghamton would allow Hammond to get back into game shape, but the veteran netminder doesn't seem interested in pursuing that path.

"For now, I feel what's best for me is being here and being around NHL players," Hammond said. "I don't feel rusty in practice and, as I said, I just feel it's best for to be here practicing with these guys."

On Monday, reports surfaced that the Senators could trade Hammond, with Garrioch citing the San Jose Sharks, Philadelphia Flyers, and Los Angeles Kings as teams that may be interested in a goaltending upgrade.

Hammond carries a $1.35-million average annual value and is signed through 2017-18. He posted a 7-11-4 record and .914 save percentage with the Senators last season.