Oct 25, 2013; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators centre Jason Spezza (19) clears the puck in the first period against the Anaheim Ducks at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
As the Jason Spezza rumor mill heats up, I am looking at a number of possible destinations for the Senators most dynamic offensive forward and current captain
To look ahead, you must look back, so if you haven’t already read them, check out the first 3 entries in my “Destination Jason Spezza” series, Buffalo Sabres, Nashville Predators and Toronto Maple Leafs.
Today, I turn my attention to a team that has returned to the upper echelon of the Western Conference but could soon have a big hole in their lineup, the Anaheim Ducks
WHY IT WOULD WORK
- The Ducks have a ton of cap space despite massive contracts to Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry. The cap isn’t an issue and Spezza’s $7M hit that pays only $4M would be a steal.
- The Ducks and Senators have a history of big trades, dating back to last summer’s blockbuster that brought Bobby Ryan to Ottawa.
- With the departure of Teemu Selanne and probably Saku Koivu at season’s end, they could use another marketable name.
- The Senators might get their first round pick in this summer’s draft back in the package.
- Being able to send Spezza to the other conference would be ideal for the Senators.
- A 1-2 punch up the middle of Getzlaf – Spezza would take a lot of defensive pressure off Spezza and allow him to do what he does best – create offense.
WHY IT WOULDN’T WORK
- Spezza’s no trade clause. He might not want to pull up stakes and move across the continent, and might not want to play second fiddle to Getzlaf.
- Getting enough in return might be difficult, because names like Getzlaf, Perry, Hampus Lindholm, Cam Fowler would not be in the discussion.
POSSIBLE RETURN
The Senators might be able to net their first round pick back, as well a maybe a top end prospect. Devante Smith-Pelly would be a solid pickup, a power forward with some scoring ability who is just coming into his own, or a similar body in Patrick Maroon could be options.
CONCLUSION
While the Ducks have some attractive pieces, I am not sure they would be willing to part with enough to satisfy the Senators needs in the trade. I am also not sure that Spezza would go West without getting a long term lucrative contract extension that the Ducks could, but might not be willing, to offer