While the Ottawa media frantically searches for a Jason Spezza story that doesn't exist, I've been doing some digging of my own on what Ottawa's plan is going forward. Confident that Jason Spezza will remain a Senator, confident that Anton Volchenkov will be walking in the near future, and confident that Peter Regin isn't getting a $50M offer sheet, I've been trying my best to uncover Ottawa's future moves.

First thing's first [semi off-topic] - reading into what Bryan Murray says is a complete waste of time. For the flak that Murray gets, the one thing he is fantastic at is posturing. Some may disagree with the use of his media through the whole Jason Spezza ordeal, but he's made his point very clear; Spezza will not be moved unless the pieces coming into Ottawa are spectacular.

In a recent interview, Spezza noted that he's talked to a couple of teams, and that only one team has even given him the time of day. Speculation is that Edmonton is the lone team seriously inquiring about Spezza's services, and while I cannot confirm or deny this to be true, it does make sense with everything I've said for the past month.

However, Spezza haters shouldn't get their hopes up. Once Tambellini heard Murray's asking price, his jaw probably hit the floor. Tambellini will undoubtedly place a few more calls, but the chance of the two teams reaching a deal that works for both sides is minimal at best.

With Murray price gauging on Jason Spezza's services, the Senators have continued to discuss their plans about the rest of the team. Their defensive situation is in dire straits with Volchenkov walking and Sutton possibly on the way out, and the Senators need a stellar blueline if they want to make a deep playoff run. Remember, regardless of what happens over the course of next season, Ottawa will still be with Pascal Leclaire and Brian Elliott between the pipes, neither of whom set the world on fire.

Big name players hitting free agency. Goaltending issues. The most talented player may be on the trading block. And, to compound the issue, Ottawa is right against the cap, and still has to sign a few players, most notably Matty Cullen and Peter Regin.

Now that the picture has been painted, let's fast forward to what I've heard today. Mike Fisher, who has a cap hit of $4.2 for the next three seasons, may be on the trading block. Does it make sense? Well, in one word, yes.

Fisher's not getting any younger, but he's proven he can be a 50-60 point scorer on most any team if he remains healthy. He's always been an offensive presence Ottawa, even if his play has been enigmatic at times. Fisher's a pretty tough two-way player, too, and in the salary cap era, those kind of attributes can go a long way in real value.

Mike Fisher does have a NMC as mentioned previously, but there's a good chance he'd waive it if it was in the best interest of him and his soon-to-be wife, Carrie Underwood. The two recently built a house in Ottawa, but one has to wonder if the two would jump on an opportunity to move elsewhere -- Nashville, perhaps?

Compensation wise, Ottawa would look for draft picks and prospects that could develop in the Ottawa system. Most importantly, they'd get away from the cap, and have some financial flexibility going forward. With Fisher gone, the team loses some upper tier talent, but would have some cash to spend on their possible departures and other UFA's around the league.

The thoughts on compensation and what cities Fisher would waive his NMC for is purely speculation, but Fisher being on the block - quietly - is not. Again, though, take it with a grain of salt, as Murray is going to look for every opportunity to upgrade his team, and if it's in the best interest of Ottawa to shed salary to sign other players, then he'll pull the trigger.

Join the Discussion: » Comments » Post New Comment

» Wrapping Things Up

» Enforcer

» Random Thoughts

» Shot Coordinate Fun

» Any Room?