February 17 2011 Last updated at 01:34 PM ET
"I do (want to be part of the rebuild) and I know people will call me crazy for saying that," Phillips told the Ottawa Sun. "I think you need some veteran guys that have been around to help and guide young guys coming in.
"I'm OK and would take on that responsibility, along with a couple of guys who have been here for a long time. It's not the easiest thing to do and there could be some growing pains with that, but that is a possibility and if that ends up happening, then you make the most of any situation."
Phillips, 32, hasn't played for anybody else in his NHL career, suiting up for 920 games with the Senators.
He can become an unrestricted free agent in the summer and has a no-trade clause. He hasn't given general manager Bryan Murray an indication either way on what he intends to do if the Senators want to trade him by the Feb. 28 deadline. Murray is in the process of restocking the Senators line-up. He sent Mike Fischer to Nashville for a first-round pick in the June draft and Chris Kelly to the Boston Bruins for a second round pick in June.
The Bruins, along with the Montreal Canadiens, the San Jose Sharks and the New York Rangers have interest in Phillips. The Bruins are also in talks with the Toronto Maple Leafs for Tomas Kaberle and would take aim at Phillips if talks with the Maple Leafs falter.
The Canadiens added Paul Mara from the Anaheim Ducks on Wednesday, but would still like to add a defensive defenseman to the line-up. Montreal coach Jacques Martin knows Phillips from his days as coach of the Senators.
Phillips said the deals involving Fisher and Kelly have made him think about his own situation.
"Yes, but I don't know what that means," Phillips told the Sun. "I don't know if there's more room for me or more chance of being asked to go. I'm really not sure. "We'll see. It really is a day at a time here. I'm thinking about a lot of things, but it's been pretty much status quo in terms of my own situation."
Phillips has been seeking advice from close NHL friends and retired players about his course of action.
"There's still lots that can happen, so before I do make a decision, I just have to inform myself of what the possibilities and scenarios are and then try to make the right decision," he said.
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