James Tanner: The Spezza Memorandum

I understand the need for Phoenix to go after top end players, but this is one they should walk away from. And the reason comes down to depth. The teams that are reportedly in on Spezza (Anaheim, Dallas, St. Louis) would be employing Spezza as a second line center. It would be a 1A/1B situation with all these teams. A team like Phoenix, would be using him as a #1 center. And that's where the problem lies. If he plays with Anaheim, Dallas, St. Louis, or any team that has the depth to have him in a 1A/1B setup, and if he gets injured, you have the depth to overcome. Phoenix does not have that depth. I'm not saying that Jason Spezza is "injury prone" but he does have a knack for having chronic ailments. I wouldn't feel comfortable having him in a #1 center role whatsoever.

James, if I read you well, this is what you offer?

TO OTT

Brandon Gormley
Henrik Samuelsson
2014 12th overall draft pick

TO PHX

Jason Spezza

If so, I say YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES

I'm not sure how a deal would get done between the two teams. It would have to be one of Boedker, Korpikoski or Hanzal, and considering Hanzal's injury history I wouldn't be too keen as having him as the centerpiece.

Henrik Samuelsson would be the prospect coming back since he and Lazar would be familiar with each other.

I understand the need for Phoenix to go after top end players, but this is one they should walk away from. And the reason comes down to depth. The teams that are reportedly in on Spezza (Anaheim, Dallas, St. Louis) would be employing Spezza as a second line center. It would be a 1A/1B situation with all these teams. A team like Phoenix, would be using him as a #1 center. And that's where the problem lies. If he plays with Anaheim, Dallas, St. Louis, or any team that has the depth to have him in a 1A/1B setup, and if he gets injured, you have the depth to overcome. Phoenix does not have that depth. I'm not saying that Jason Spezza is "injury prone" but he does have a knack for having chronic ailments. I wouldn't feel comfortable having him in a #1 center role whatsoever.
- BruHAWK

The Situation is not that different in Phoenix. While yes, Spezza would be the number one, a 1-2-3 of Spezza, Hanzal and Vermette has potential to be among the leagues best centre combos. Vermette is a great third line centre and Hanzal, should he stay healthy, has high potential as well.

James, if I read you well, this is what you offer?

TO OTT

Brandon Gormley
Henrik Samuelsson
2014 12th overall draft pick

TO PHX

Jason Spezza

If so, I say YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES
- LCDavid4

From what I have read, that is more than Ottawa should be able to expect for him, and I think its something Phoenix can afford to do. I would do it in a second, even if it is a high price to pay.

I'm not sure how a deal would get done between the two teams. It would have to be one of Boedker, Korpikoski or Hanzal, and considering Hanzal's injury history I wouldn't be too keen as having him as the centerpiece.

Henrik Samuelsson would be the prospect coming back since he and Lazar would be familiar with each other.
- PaskySens

At this point, I wouldn't trade Boedker for Spezza straight up. One day, Boedker is going to be a star player. I don't think Korpikoski is even close to being on the level of either Hanzal or Boedker.

At this point, I wouldn't trade Boedker for Spezza straight up. One day, Boedker is going to be a star player. I don't think Korpikoski is even close to being on the level of either Hanzal or Boedker.
- James_Tanner

So if the deal would be Korpikoski, Samuelsson & 2014 12th pick, does this sound like a fair deal for both teams? I'm not quite familiar with Phoenix's players.

As much as I have always dreamed of having Martin Hanzal on the Senators, I think the Sens really want to develop Mika Zibanejad and Curtis Lazar as centers. Considering Kyle Turris is also a center, and a top 6 one, it doesn't leave much room in the top 9 other than at the wing, and correct me if I am wrong, but I really haven't seen Hanzal play much wing in the past. It would have to be Boedker coming back to the Sens, but I've never been really that high one him.

I am not sure Spezza is on Pheonix's list...

The Situation is not that different in Phoenix. While yes, Spezza would be the number one, a 1-2-3 of Spezza, Hanzal and Vermette has potential to be among the leagues best centre combos. Vermette is a great third line centre and Hanzal, should he stay healthy, has high potential as well.
- James_Tanner

I will disagree on the comment on "potential to be among the leagues best centre combos". The ceiling on this trio is good, not the best. I will agree that Vermette is a great third. I expected at this point in his career that Hanzal would be putting up better numbers, but he is not. And let's face it, if Spezza is not scoring, he is doing little of anything else.

Spezza is a loser, the Sens suck and I could care less about the Yotes really but I like your writing style....so good blog!

From what I have read, that is more than Ottawa should be able to expect for him, and I think its something Phoenix can afford to do. I would do it in a second, even if it is a high price to pay.
- James_Tanner

Why? What if Spezza doesn't stay long term? He's injury prone, on the decline, and I don't think he's worth that much

Going to the ducks or hawks wants a cup

Spezza is a loser, the Sens suck and I could care less about the Yotes really but I like your writing style....so good blog!
- BlowMonkey

Hey thanks. I am also a huge fan of your commenting style.

I am not sure Spezza is on Pheonix's list...
- riceroni

Well, I doubt any player with a list has Phoenix on it. However, Spezza seems like a guy who would like to be in a small market, Arizona is (apparently) a great place to play and live, and the Coyotes, should they add a centre of Spezza's talent, would be a team with the chance to contend.

Sounds crazy to say that, but their defense and goaltending are very good and with a little firepower, they'd be a pretty complete team.

Why? What if Spezza doesn't stay long term? He's injury prone, on the decline, and I don't think he's worth that much
- Danformo

I know there is risk in paying huge for Spezza, because of exactly what you said, however, I think that is where Phoenix has to play - sort of like the Blue Jays when they acquired Reyes and Melky.

The risk is big, but the reward is huge. You overpay and hope you can use the next year to convince him to stay.

Frankly, the only way you get guys like Spezza if you're the Coyotes is to go risky. (Or draft them)

So if the deal would be Korpikoski, Samuelsson & 2014 12th pick, does this sound like a fair deal for both teams? I'm not quite familiar with Phoenix's players.
- PaskySens

Yandle and Samuelsson for Spezza & Greening. No pick. But Spezza doesn't want to go there.

Spezza is a loser, the Sens suck and I could care less about the Yotes really but I like your writing style....so good blog!
- BlowMonkey

attaboy!!

Coyotes are on his list of "No Trade"... so no reason for trade discussions...

James, if I read you well, this is what you offer?

TO OTT

Brandon Gormley
Henrik Samuelsson
2014 12th overall draft pick

TO PHX

Jason Spezza

If so, I say YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES
- LCDavid4

I doubt this would happen, but we never know! I know Bryan Murray is looking for at least on established NHL player that can immediately play in the league in a trade that would involve Spezza. I think Henrik Samuelson would be a good second piece in the trade (not so much Gormley simply since he isn't established enough). I would think Samuelson, 12th overall pick + 2nd-3rd line established player could maybe work.

I am no expert, but its just a gut feeling I have.

James, if I read you well, this is what you offer?

TO OTT

Brandon Gormley
Henrik Samuelsson
2014 12th overall draft pick

TO PHX

Jason Spezza

If so, I say YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES
- LCDavid4

I'd take those two prospects alone without the pick, and be content. Murray can find a roster player on the market in FA or a trade.

James, if I read you well, this is what you offer?

TO OTT

Brandon Gormley
Henrik Samuelsson
2014 12th overall draft pick

TO PHX

Jason Spezza

If so, I say YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES
- LCDavid4

I'd take those two prospects alone without the pick, and be content. Murray can find a roster player on the market in FA or a trade.

The Situation is not that different in Phoenix. While yes, Spezza would be the number one, a 1-2-3 of Spezza, Hanzal and Vermette has potential to be among the leagues best centre combos. Vermette is a great third line centre and Hanzal, should he stay healthy, has high potential as well.
- James_Tanner

Agreed.

Well, I doubt any player with a list has Phoenix on it. However, Spezza seems like a guy who would like to be in a small market, Arizona is (apparently) a great place to play and live, and the Coyotes, should they add a centre of Spezza's talent, would be a team with the chance to contend.

Sounds crazy to say that, but their defense and goaltending are very good and with a little firepower, they'd be a pretty complete team.
- James_Tanner

Not apparently. It is a great place to live.

Money talks at the end of the day, but AZ has the potential to turn into a sought after place to play.