can't we do this (in a world where we win a powerball drawing):


- Travis Yost

Honestly, I'd rather have us tank one more season than have that lineup.

This team can still make the post season with or without the Spezza line, just by adding a veteran defenseman in Boyle.
- TheCalSen

Did you witness Boyle's performance in the playoffs this year?

Honestly, I'd rather have us tank one more season than have that lineup.
- TheCalSen

Er, what? It doesn't address our defensive needs, obviously, but that's a pretty much undeniably better forward group than last year, and our offence wasn't too bad in the first place.

Ottawa will not got nearly the return Bobby Ryan got.
Bobby was 26. Spezza will be 31.
Bobby had 2 years left, Spezza will be a pending UFA

Bobby had missed a total of 3 games/4 seasons when he was traded, Spezza has missed 92 games over the past 5 seasons.

I'd love to have spezza on the leafs, I just can't imagine a top 6, top prospect and a 1st going back.

can't we do this (in a world where we win a powerball drawing):


- Travis Yost

so keep the exact same D/goalies that gave up 3.23 goals/gm?
also, the grabovski/macarthur/kulemin line had that 1 great season, but they just werent the same after

I thought that the most important points made in the Garrioch article were;

Spezza does not want to go to a traditional Canadian hockey market like Vancouver as he wants out of the media focus. Spezza is cooperating with the Sens in finding a "right" team for him to go. Almost certainly he will be signing with the new team.

Some teams are interested in Spezza as a #1 center (St. Louis, Nashville) and others as a #2 (Anahiem). Regardless of where he goes Murray will get his price as the interest in Spezza is very high. (Important to keep in mind that the top player coming back is not nearly as important as the pick and the prospect to Murray.)

Murray will not deal with Florida or the Rangers. Both have expressed interest in Spezza. He wants to send him West. I still think Florida has the raw resources to make the best offer.

The rumors of Kesler being Chicago bound will only drive up the price on Spezza.

Really? I don't think they have a fighting chance EDIT (of making the playoffs without Spezza/Hemsky). .... but I just don't see how this team can be in the top 8 next April.
- redcanman

I agree and stick to my guns in saying Ottawa needs to resign Spezza to a reasonable extension and sign Hemsky to a similar deal - otherwise, we are in the bottom 5-10 again next year.

With the list of potentially available centres at Kesler, Spezza, Stastny, E Staal and Thorton ...... the returns are lowering as the list grows

Ottawa will not got nearly the return Bobby Ryan got.
Bobby was 26. Spezza will be 31.
Bobby had 2 years left, Spezza will be a pending UFA

Bobby had missed a total of 3 games/4 seasons when he was traded, Spezza has missed 92 games over the past 5 seasons.

I'd love to have spezza on the leafs, I just can't imagine a top 6, top prospect and a 1st going back.
- GardinerExpress

You forgot the most important part, Murray lost Alfie and the team was in damage control, I don't think they overplayed for Ryan but with the pic being a #10, it certainly tilts the reward towards Anaheim.

I agree and stick to my guns in saying Ottawa needs to resign Spezza to a reasonable extension and sign Hemsky to a similar deal - otherwise, we are in the bottom 5-10 again next year.

With the list of potentially available centres at Kesler, Spezza, Stastny, E Staal and Thorton ...... the returns are lowering as the list grows
- GadesnSens

I am a strong supporter of moving Spezza. Have been for a few years. Murray is now into year 3 of the rebuild. I simply assumed that both Alfredssen and Spezza would be gone by this point. In my opinion rebuild is on schedule.

Murray keeps saying the same thing. He wants to add one "hard" player to the top 6. My experience is Murray tends to do exactly what he says he is going to do. Once Spezza is gone, he will be more than $10m. below the cap floor. He will have no trouble buying or trading for additional pieces. But, the big addition this summer will be the "hard" top 6 winger.

Spezza to Nashville for Craig Smith, Victor Bartley and a 5th

You forgot the most important part, Murray lost Alfie and the team was in damage control, I don't think they overplayed for Ryan but with the pic being a #10, it certainly tilts the reward towards Anaheim.
- tuna99

Stop with the Alfredsson talk. Changes had to come. If you want to be a serious contender you need to transform the top of your lineup. If Ottawa can get it right and contend for the playoffs with a young line up, the additional veteran players will be available at the trade deadline.

This is going to be pretty close to the team that took out Montreal in five games. I like Turris at the #1, Zibanejad might be okay at #2. But, it does not matter. There are lots of guys deserving a shot. Murray will need to spend more than $10m to get to the floor. They are in great shape.

If we are getting an overrated Bonino as a centre piece in a trade for Spezza, I agree with Yost that the return is looking less than favourable for the Sens. I thought part of the reason trading Spezza was because of our so-called depth down the middle, but we are going to bring in another young centre because he has a nice cap hit? Silly thinking.

With the other names at centre floating around it only hurts the Sens for trading partners. They may not all get moved, but it's clear Staal, Kesler, and Thorton are being shopped. And I am almost certain teams value Staal and Thorton over Spezza and some teams would prefer Kesler's style of play. The Sens will get stuck with the left over teams and there may only be one or two left. My main concern is getting fair value back for Spezza. Since day one of his name being thrown around I had my doubts that he would get a suitable return. It really looks like the Sens are misplaying this chip. Let's hope the picture gets brighter closer to draft day.

The rumors of Kesler being Chicago bound will only drive up the price on Spezza.
- spatso

More centres being available (some of whom are better than Spezza like E.Stall and Thorton) will just drag the price for him down. Especially if we have to trade him to his "preferred team."

More centres being available (some of whom are better than Spezza like E.Stall and Thorton) will just drag the price for him down. Especially if we have to trade him to his "preferred team."
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

Not even close to enough #1 type centers being available to meet the demand. As some are dealt the price will only go up.

Assume Chicago gets Kesler. Also, assume Florida gets one of the top guys available, they really are very committed to putting an experienced #1 with their talented crew. You still have Anahiem, St. Louis, Nashville, Pheonix, Vancouver and Dallas who have signaled their interest in adding a top center.

Ottawa is fine if they get a good player back. If a third line center like Bonino means your getting back a stronger prospect (DPS), it all works out.

If we are getting an overrated Bonino as a centre piece in a trade for Spezza, I agree with Yost that the return is looking less than favourable for the Sens. I thought part of the reason trading Spezza was because of our so-called depth down the middle, but we are going to bring in another young centre because he has a nice cap hit? Silly thinking.

With the other names at centre floating around it only hurts the Sens for trading partners. They may not all get moved, but it's clear Staal, Kesler, and Thorton are being shopped. And I am almost certain teams value Staal and Thorton over Spezza and some teams would prefer Kesler's style of play. The Sens will get stuck with the left over teams and there may only be one or two left. My main concern is getting fair value back for Spezza. Since day one of his name being thrown around I had my doubts that he would get a suitable return. It really looks like the Sens are misplaying this chip. Let's hope the picture gets brighter closer to draft day.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

I agree - even if Spezza is aimiable to this sort of cat and mouse game, it seems a little strange to treat one of your star players like this ..... 'I'm going to florat you out there and see if I can land a big fish, but if not, we still love you and you'll be part of our core players'????

weird.....

I still say we should keep the Hemsky - Spezza - Stone line together

Depending on what players are discussed about during trades, I can see BM trying to swing a conditional 1st in 2015 if Spezza signs an extension. Maybe drop the pick in the 3rd round if he doesn't. That would help levitate the thought that your buying a rental.

Not even close to enough #1 type centers being available to meet the demand. As some are dealt the price will only go up.

Assume Chicago gets Kesler. Also, assume Florida gets one of the top guys available, they really are very committed to putting an experienced #1 with their talented crew. You still have Anahiem, St. Louis, Nashville, Pheonix, Vancouver and Dallas who have signaled their interest in adding a top center.

Ottawa is fine if they get a good player back. If a third line center like Bonino means your getting back a stronger prospect (DPS), it all works out.
- spatso

Spezza is part of the "upper tier" of centres available for sure. However, there are about 3 other available (Kesler, Thorton, E.Stall) and lots of "good" centres available for less via trade and/or free agency (Statsny, Legwand, O'Reilly, Brassard, Garbovski, etc). There are lots of options for teams interested in centres. That combined with the fact it sounds like Spezza will be traded to his "preferred team" makes it easy to assume (right now) a return will be lower than we would like.

Depending on what players are discussed about during trades, I can see BM trying to swing a conditional 1st in 2015 if Spezza signs an extension. Maybe drop the pick in the 3rd round if he doesn't. That would help levitate the thought that your buying a rental.
- PaskySens

We should be treating our 2015 1st rounder like gold. Don't risk moving it unless you know you will not have a chance at the top pick. McDavid is too good of a talent. Chances are low that it will happen, but with the way the team is setting up too look next year, you never know.

Stop with the Alfredsson talk. Changes had to come. If you want to be a serious contender you need to transform the top of your lineup. If Ottawa can get it right and contend for the playoffs with a young line up, the additional veteran players will be available at the trade deadline.

This is going to be pretty close to the team that took out Montreal in five games. I like Turris at the #1, Zibanejad might be okay at #2. But, it does not matter. There are lots of guys deserving a shot. Murray will need to spend more than $10m to get to the floor. They are in great shape.
- spatso

Yeah, losing Alfie was a great move for Ottawa on and off the ice. All he did was play for Team Sweden, lead his NHL team in scoring , scores huge goals and wear an A for both teams.

Who needs players like that? What team needs leadership, a player with a genius hockey IQ, our best forechecker, A veteran who can play PP, PK, score big goals?

Hemsky at the deadline was such a great move, this is what building a hockey team is all about, you ship our your best forward and bring in a softer , more expensive, less motivated, no allegiance forward to make guys like you believe there is a plan in Ottawa.

There is no plan in Ottawa, that's the point. Losing Alfie should cost people there jobs but when the owner realized he saved $1 ,Illinois on the deal, he was happy about it. Then he realized he will lose million in jersey sales, season tickets and legacy money, and he got angry and lashed out at the only player Ottawa has ever had that we can call one of our own.

Great plan.

Spezza is part of the "upper tier" of centres available for sure. However, there are about 3 other available (Kesler, Thorton, E.Stall) and lots of "good" centres available for less via trade and/or free agency (Statsny, Legwand, O'Reilly, Brassard, Garbovski, etc). There are lots of options for teams interested in centres. That combined with the fact it sounds like Spezza will be traded to his "preferred team" makes it easy to assume (right now) a return will be lower than we would like.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

Spatso is in la-la land again, I see...

Spezza is part of the "upper tier" of centres available for sure. However, there are about 3 other available (Kesler, Thorton, E.Stall) and lots of "good" centres available for less via trade and/or free agency (Statsny, Legwand, O'Reilly, Brassard, Garbovski, etc). There are lots of options for teams interested in centres. That combined with the fact it sounds like Spezza will be traded to his "preferred team" makes it easy to assume (right now) a return will be lower than we would like.
- Gord_Wilson_2.0

Spezza's agent wants to do a long term deal before the puck drops on the season. He has earned that right. He gets to negotiate with a team that Murray knows he is willing to sign off against. Even before a deal is done the bones of the new contract can be agreed upon.

I think Ottawa is at a place where they improve just by opening their line up to the young guys. If Ottawa gets one good player back it is a net positive. Remember Ottawa is trying to rebuild their second line and improve their depth. They don't need to hit a home run.

I am primarily opposed to Ottawa giving Spezza a retirement deal. I'm fine if they keep him for a year and let him walk. But, prefer they make the break now and move on to post Alfredsen-Spezza era. If the consequence of these decisions is that Ottawa misses the playoffs and enters the McDavid sweeps...I'm okay with that as well.

Spezza's agent wants to do a long term deal before the puck drops on the season. He has earned that right. He gets to negotiate with a team that Murray knows he is willing to sign off against. Even before a deal is done the bones of the new contract can be agreed upon.

I think Ottawa is at a place where they improve just by opening their line up to the young guys. If Ottawa gets one good player back it is a net positive. Remember Ottawa is trying to rebuild their second line and improve their depth. They don't need to hit a home run.

I am primarily opposed to Ottawa giving Spezza a retirement deal. I'm fine if they keep him for a year and let him walk. But, prefer they make the break now and move on to post Alfredsen-Spezza era. If the consequence of these decisions is that Ottawa misses the playoffs and enters the McDavid sweeps...I'm okay with that as well.
- spatso

So the plan is to have no plan and maybe get Mcdavid, seems fool proof to me. The guy who is running this team must be some sort of Stanley Cup genius, must have his name on the Cup at least once (in 30 years)

Spezza's agent wants to do a long term deal before the puck drops on the season. He has earned that right. He gets to negotiate with a team that Murray knows he is willing to sign off against. Even before a deal is done the bones of the new contract can be agreed upon.

I think Ottawa is at a place where they improve just by opening their line up to the young guys. If Ottawa gets one good player back it is a net positive. Remember Ottawa is trying to rebuild their second line and improve their depth. They don't need to hit a home run.

I am primarily opposed to Ottawa giving Spezza a retirement deal. I'm fine if they keep him for a year and let him walk. But, prefer they make the break now and move on to post Alfredsen-Spezza era. If the consequence of these decisions is that Ottawa misses the playoffs and enters the McDavid sweeps...I'm okay with that as well.
- spatso

So when Spezza has a deal in place, we can only negotiate with one team. This creates zero competition for trades. We will not be getting a great return. It's borderline foolish to assume that just getting rid of Spezza to open a lineup spot will make this team better. That will not improve depth or help our top lines. They don't need to hit a home run in a trade, I agree, but they need to get decent value back to make it worth moving the guy. If they don't get the package of a player who is young and can play now (top six F or top 4 D), a good prospect, a pick or mid level prospect, there is very little sense in moving him.

So the plan is to have no plan and maybe get Mcdavid, seems fool proof to me. The guy who is running this team must be some sort of Stanley Cup genius, must have his name on the Cup at least once (in 30 years)
- tuna99

Actually Murray did a lot of the heavy lifting in starting the build of Stanley Cup contenders in Detroit and Anahiem. He might not win the Cup in Ottawa either.
But, the rebuild is looking real good to me.