my fav spezza moment was his end to end goal against the canucks

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4Pc6Ii8MLw

I still watch it from time to time :D
- Trilla

He certainly has an artist's touch

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=bbKw3oAWgl8

So, if your an Ottawa fan your hoping that St. Louis, Anahiem and LA lose in the first round of the playoffs because they are unable to score.

And, do not discount Nashville as a possible trading partner. They have some great prospects and players in their system. They just can't score. With the firing of Trotz they are intending to head in a new direction. There are a few teams that will think about signing Hemsky as a UFA and trading for Spezza.

In my opinion, Paul MacLean is untouchable after what he's done with this team over the past few seasons. People need to remember that the team he took to 7 games against the Rangers in 2012 and the team that pounded Montreal last year were expected to finish near the bottom of the standings.

I recognize that the Senators failed to live up to expectations this year, but when it comes down to it they are still a rebuilding team. Paul MacLean has greatly exceeded expectations every season he's been in Ottawa except for this one. Give the guy a break; we don't have the depth on defence. We're getting there.

In my opinion, Paul MacLean is untouchable after what he's done with this team over the past few seasons. People need to remember that the team he took to 7 games against the Rangers in 2012 and the team that pounded Montreal last year were expected to finish near the bottom of the standings.

I recognize that the Senators failed to live up to expectations this year, but when it comes down to it they are still a rebuilding team. Paul MacLean has greatly exceeded expectations every season he's been in Ottawa except for this one. Give the guy a break; we don't have the depth on defence. We're getting there.
- OldBucket

Agree!

He is a decent defenceman, but he's not a good fit for our team

He doesn't come across as someone who can "rally the troops"

I just can't stand him, don't want him wearing a sens jersey

I mean..the guy shows more intensity playing table tennis for God's sake!
- Trilla

his wife is hot

He certainly has an artist's touch

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=bbKw3oAWgl8
- spatso

Ya, I can't honestly believe all this 'trade Spezza' stuff. I said it before, but if we lose him, we lose Hemsky, and then there's a good chance all the UFA dominoes will drop because we won't be seen as a contender, won't have any elite forward talent, and the organization will look like they don't give a poop about winning. The only way to avoid a complete reboot is to sign Spezz and Hemmer for 4-5 years. You can't just replace guys like these internally. Find some other way to find the #2D, with picks, prospects and roster players, and be a contender.

The sad reality is that this will cost a lot of money, but if it's not done, restart the rebuild. It will take many years to get to this point again.

Ya, I can't honestly believe all this 'trade Spezza' stuff. I said it before, but if we lose him, we lose Hemsky, and then there's a good chance all the UFA dominoes will drop because we won't be seen as a contender, won't have any elite forward talent, and the organization will look like they don't give a poop about winning. The only way to avoid a complete reboot is to sign Spezz and Hemmer for 4-5 years. You can't just replace guys like these internally. Find some other way to find the #2D, with picks, prospects and roster players, and be a contender.

The sad reality is that this will cost a lot of money, but if it's not done, restart the rebuild. It will take many years to get to this point again.
- Stringer74

Spezza has never won at any level.

Ya, I can't honestly believe all this 'trade Spezza' stuff. I said it before, but if we lose him, we lose Hemsky, and then there's a good chance all the UFA dominoes will drop because we won't be seen as a contender, won't have any elite forward talent, and the organization will look like they don't give a poop about winning. The only way to avoid a complete reboot is to sign Spezz and Hemmer for 4-5 years. You can't just replace guys like these internally. Find some other way to find the #2D, with picks, prospects and roster players, and be a contender.

The sad reality is that this will cost a lot of money, but if it's not done, restart the rebuild. It will take many years to get to this point again.
- Stringer74

Is a proper rebuild the worst thing that can happen?

In three seasons this divion will be ranked
1. Tampa
2. Buffalo
3. Florida
4. Boston
5. Ottawa
6. Montreal
7. Toronto
8. Detroit

Ottawa needs to find a way to get into the top 3 of the division because it's going to be a scary good one very soon!

Ya, I can't honestly believe all this 'trade Spezza' stuff. I said it before, but if we lose him, we lose Hemsky, and then there's a good chance all the UFA dominoes will drop because we won't be seen as a contender, won't have any elite forward talent, and the organization will look like they don't give a poop about winning. The only way to avoid a complete reboot is to sign Spezz and Hemmer for 4-5 years. You can't just replace guys like these internally. Find some other way to find the #2D, with picks, prospects and roster players, and be a contender.

The sad reality is that this will cost a lot of money, but if it's not done, restart the rebuild. It will take many years to get to this point again.
- Stringer74

This is the same kind of talk that took place for a bunch of years in Leaf thinking. Many believed that they needed to hang unto Sundin because they would crash and burn without his returning as their #1 center. Well, on reflection, it is clearly apparant that the Leafs lost 3 or 4 years while they sat in a black hole waiting for Sundin to lead them out of the darkness. I think that is the risk for the Senators right now. Nothing wrong with Spezza as a player. I think the Senators will get a good return. I think Spezza could help a team win a Stanley Cup. But if Ottawa wants to be an elite team they need to build around their young guys.

Ottawa had a good year last year without Spezza.

Love to see Murray do a sign and trade with Hemsky so that he could trade Spezza and Hemsky as a duo. Anahiem would be a natural fit for that kind of package.

Is a proper rebuild the worst thing that can happen?
- riceroni

Why trade away player, prospect, pick for Ryan then? Considering the quality of prospects and roster players we already have, why restart now? Make moves to add the 2 or 3 pieces (Defense) and go for it. Should be planning to contend in 2 years when 7,93,61,68 have some more experience. What's holding them back? Just money.

Who are the teams that can realistically afford and need Spezza in the current stage of the organization and what could they give up that would help Ottawa...

ANA- Etem and Lindholm
EDM- Yakupov and Petry
LA- Voyno and Toffoli
NSH- Foresberg and a pick
NJ- Larsson and a pick
NYI - Strome and Reinhart
PHX- Yandle
STL- Shattenkirk
WIN- Kane

This is the same kind of talk that took place for a bunch of years in Leaf thinking. Many believed that they needed to hang unto Sundin because they would crash and burn without his returning as their #1 center. Well, on reflection, it is clearly apparant that the Leafs lost 3 or 4 years while they sat in a black hole waiting for Sundin to lead them out of the darkness. I think that is the risk for the Senators right now. Nothing wrong with Spezza as a player. I think the Senators will get a good return. I think Spezza could help a team win a Stanley Cup. But if Ottawa wants to be an elite team they need to build around their young guys.

Ottawa had a good year last year without Spezza.

Love to see Murray do a sign and trade with Hemsky so that he could trade Spezza and Hemsky as a duo. Anahiem would be a natural fit for that kind of package.
- spatso

And here they are, still without a #1 Centre. Turris and Mika aren't ready to go all the way, for a full season. Murray has acquired a lot of good talent. This roster, plus one or two good defenders, will be a very very good team in 15/16.
Sign Spezza & Hemsky for 4-5 years, go for it, and if it doesn't work trade them later. I don't believe the return for trading Spezza will justify him and Hemsky leaving. Then watch Ryan and MacArthur follow.

As much as I'd like to sign Spezza and Hemsky for a 4-5 year term, I don't think its in the best interest of the Senators long term future. Both of them will eat up millions of dollars that we will need to resign Bobby Ryan (since they made a big investment in him) and blue-chippers like Hoffman and Stone etc. The team is already operating on a budget, Ottawa can't afford to lock up older players until they are in the 37-38 range, especially when they are injury prone like Spezza and Hemsky.

Spezza has been a top centre in the NHL in terms of talent for many years now. Ottawa has had him in the contending years, and they've had him during this rebuild. The story is always the same: inconsistency at both ends of the rink, and injuries. They can win without him. -26 is not a #1 centre. I'd go further to say that he isn't captain material. That was one of MacLean's few mistakes so far as coach.

If I've said it once, I've said it a million times. We should be resigning Spezza and building around him. When healthy, he is one of the best offensive players in the game. Trading him sets this team back since we have no #1 centre replacement. And no, Turris and Zibby aren't replacements. The package you get back for Spezza may fill a couple of other holes, but creates an even bigger one.

He had a very rocky start this season. Just had too much on his plate. Recovering from injury, becoming captain, and starting a season without Alfie. He recovered quite nicely in the second half and was one of the better point producers in the NHL. He looked to becoming more comfortable in his new role. Alfie got a long leash at the start of his captaincy, Spezza should have the same.

The moment we trade Spezza is the moment these blogs become about finding this team a #1 centre. And that could take an extremely long time.

Is a proper rebuild the worst thing that can happen?

In three seasons this divion will be ranked
1. Tampa
2. Buffalo
3. Florida
4. Boston
5. Ottawa
6. Montreal
7. Toronto
8. Detroit

Ottawa needs to find a way to get into the top 3 of the division because it's going to be a scary good one very soon!
- riceroni

No it won't. What a baseless projection.

Tampa I'll give you, they're so stacked it's almost a certainty. Florida is a huge question mark, and Montreal still has some useful prospects that could make them a better team, along with the maturation of Galyenchuk.

Buffalo just came off a season in which they were one of the worst hockey teams ever seen in the modern era....how do you expect them to be good in 3 seasons? Two 18 year olds? Give me a break.

Drafting High Ranked Prospects does not = success in this league, look no further than NYI and Edmonton for proof of that.

And before you start talking about the Pens or Hawks, realize that they built an entire team of veteran depth around their one-two big time prospects.

And here they are, still without a #1 Centre. Turris and Mika aren't ready to go all the way, for a full season. Murray has acquired a lot of good talent. This roster, plus one or two good defenders, will be a very very good team in 15/16.
Sign Spezza & Hemsky for 4-5 years, go for it, and if it doesn't work trade them later. I don't believe the return for trading Spezza will justify him and Hemsky leaving. Then watch Ryan and MacArthur follow.
- Stringer74

Here's the whole problem with your reasoning, same as all the other Spezza fans hoping we extend him - he is not going to take a 4 year deal.

He will want a 7 year deal, at the same pay rate he is at, to take him to retirement - and he is neither good enough nor healthy enough to justify it.

Hence, he will be traded. And no, it will not set us back. Turris and Mika will justify the decision with excellent play in the extra minutes next season. Smith, too, with an expanded role and better wingers will put up better numbers. Then Lazar is coming.

We have a great 4th line center in bingo named derek grant.

this team is probably not going to be a contender for another two years, when our young defence and center depth has matured. Spezza is already 30, and should be on a squad ready to contend now.

Put aside your fanship for the guy who has done a lot for the franchise, and you'll see that it is the logical decision.

Spezza is a goner - he wants out and Maclean wants him out.

Here's what we learned yesterday:

Spezza doesn't want to sign an extention in Ottawa
Spezza feels he has been taken for granted by the fans
Maclean wants centers that can skate in the D Zone and defend with their bodies and not their sticks
Maclean wants better leadership in the room.
Maclean thinks Ottawa is to Offense heavy and needs more two-way players

Ottawa signed Phillips and will make him the Captain, they signed him to 2 years to keep the job warm for Karlsson who will be named Captain in the 2015-2016 season.

I think going back to the summer the reason we have had so much uncertainty is naming Spezza the Captain - I think Maclean was in the Phillips for C and the Murray's wanted Spezza - this is why we heard Phillips say he wanted it and they waited for so ling to name the C

Maclean will win this power structure - his message is if you want to be an elite team you will not make it there with Spezza as your #1 - you need more grit and more smarts at that position. And he isn't alone in his thinking on this. Time to turn the page.

No it won't. What a baseless projection.

Tampa I'll give you, they're so stacked it's almost a certainty. Florida is a huge question mark, and Montreal still has some useful prospects that could make them a better team, along with the maturation of Galyenchuk.

Buffalo just came off a season in which they were one of the worst hockey teams ever seen in the modern era....how do you expect them to be good in 3 seasons? Two 18 year olds? Give me a break.

Drafting High Ranked Prospects does not = success in this league, look no further than NYI and Edmonton for proof of that.

And before you start talking about the Pens or Hawks, realize that they built an entire team of veteran depth around their one-two big time prospects.
- TommyDeVito

I think Buffalo will be a force sooner than later.. From everything I read about Tim Murray and the fact that their owner is committed to spending (and this time they will do it correctly) I believe they will turn it around very fast!

Florida I see as an amazing team as well soon. If they draft Ekblad this summer they may have the best D core in the East (once he's mature) with him, Campbell and Gudbransson. Also I believe Barkov will be almost as good as MacKinnon from their draft year and then you have guys like Bujustad and Huberdeau and the offense is looking pretty solid, oh, don't forget Lu in net.

Anyway, I hope I am wrong but I do think both of those teams are set for a metioric rise in the coming years.

Here's the whole problem with your reasoning, same as all the other Spezza fans hoping we extend him - he is not going to take a 4 year deal.

He will want a 7 year deal, at the same pay rate he is at, to take him to retirement - and he is neither good enough nor healthy enough to justify it.

Hence, he will be traded. And no, it will not set us back. Turris and Mika will justify the decision with excellent play in the extra minutes next season. Smith, too, with an expanded role and better wingers will put up better numbers. Then Lazar is coming.

We have a great 4th line center in bingo named derek grant.

this team is probably not going to be a contender for another two years, when our young defence and center depth has matured. Spezza is already 30, and should be on a squad ready to contend now.

Put aside your fanship for the guy who has done a lot for the franchise, and you'll see that it is the logical decision.
- TommyDeVito

Couldn't agree more.

I love Jason Spezza, he's been a franchise player for years now. But when the Senators play without him, the other players step up almost every time. I can't justify resigning Spezza long term when the team is tight for cash already.

I know most people believe that Ottawa needs a #1 centre, but if the top 6 can score by committee, there isn't a need for a distinguished number one. Look no further than St. Louis. They have nobody at centre with the talent that Spezza has, but they can play hard at both ends of the rink and if the opposing team matches up against their "top" line, they have another one that can play just as well.

I believe management was pressured into giving Spezza the "C". Everyone seems to believe the captaincy belongs to the most talented player nowadays. Not the best leader.

Here's the whole problem with your reasoning, same as all the other Spezza fans hoping we extend him - he is not going to take a 4 year deal.

He will want a 7 year deal, at the same pay rate he is at, to take him to retirement - and he is neither good enough nor healthy enough to justify it.

Hence, he will be traded. And no, it will not set us back. Turris and Mika will justify the decision with excellent play in the extra minutes next season. Smith, too, with an expanded role and better wingers will put up better numbers. Then Lazar is coming.

We have a great 4th line center in bingo named derek grant.

this team is probably not going to be a contender for another two years, when our young defence and center depth has matured. Spezza is already 30, and should be on a squad ready to contend now.

Put aside your fanship for the guy who has done a lot for the franchise, and you'll see that it is the logical decision.
- TommyDeVito

Okay. Who is going to give injury-prone Spezza 7 years at 7.5 million per?

Florida is the only team that's really in a position to do so.

If they want to go a different direction with their new windfall, then I don't see anyone offering Spezza that kind of money over than kind of term.

I guess the Rangers could. But Spezza himself should realize it's a risk waiting till free agency. If he gets hurt again, or his numbers drop off again, he'll have a hard time getting 6.5 over 4, let alone 7.5 over 7 or 8. So a compromise: 5 year extension worth 7 million per, which he'll sign with either Ottawa or another team this offseason.

Everyone wants to manage their risk.

If Spezza get's to UFA status I believe he becomes a Leaf.. but man oh man will he hear the noise if he becomes a Leaf! Think about how much gets written about him now, it would be 10x more if he ever wore the blue and white! Can he handle that?

This is the same kind of talk that took place for a bunch of years in Leaf thinking. Many believed that they needed to hang unto Sundin because they would crash and burn without his returning as their #1 center. Well, on reflection, it is clearly apparant that the Leafs lost 3 or 4 years while they sat in a black hole waiting for Sundin to lead them out of the darkness. I think that is the risk for the Senators right now. Nothing wrong with Spezza as a player. I think the Senators will get a good return. I think Spezza could help a team win a Stanley Cup. But if Ottawa wants to be an elite team they need to build around their young guys.

- spatso

well said

Spezza is worth a lot more than Phaneuf. The reason are many as well..

Spezza is a #1 C and it's one of the positions TO has been trying to fill since Sundin left. With a true #1 C Kessel could be a 50 goal guy.

Dion is not a #1 D man, he's a #2 D man that is being paid as a #1. However, he would be good as a #2 on the Sens paired with karlsson.

If I were to propose a trade between Ottawa and TO revolving around those players it would be...

To Ottawa:

- Phaneuf
- Kadri
- 1st 2014

To Toronto:

- Spezza
- Cowen
- 2nd 2014
- riceroni

Even that offer is week on Toronto's side. Phaneuf is overpaid for his talent, kadri is a little b@tch. Spezza is worth both alone.

well said
- sen_smile

I don't really agree. What happened to Toronto when they traded Sundin? They still stank the bed. Spezza deserves at least one more year as captain and I am guaranteed he will prove to be more useful. It's not logical to blame Spezza for the Sens woes... he played second line and had Chris neil as a winger... duh his production dropped. He was simply missused by management especially coaching. This year was a perfect example of what does happen when you build your team around young players and not your captain, Spezza. They finally started to give in Spezza with a decent wigner in Hemsky and ever since the team's record has been the best in the season.

My two cents.

I don't really agree. What happened to Toronto when they traded Sundin? They still stank the bed. Spezza deserves at least one more year as captain and I am guaranteed he will prove to be more useful. It's not logical to blame Spezza for the Sens woes... he played second line and had Chris neil as a winger... duh his production dropped. He was simply missused by management especially coaching. This year was a perfect example of what does happen when you build your team around young players and not your captain, Spezza. They finally started to give in Spezza with a decent wigner in Hemsky and ever since the team's record has been the best in the season.

My two cents.
- PtotheY

i am in no way blaming spezza for our season. i posted something about this yesterday. i just think that if we arent going to go and spend some serious $$ to straighten up the etc. for this season, then "our run" is gonna be happening later than sooner--- so, if that is the case, then its time to trade spezza.

i dont blame spezza for our teams crappiness in any way. i wrote that i blame ownership, management, and coaching--- and in that order.