Jason Spezza For Dion Phaneuf

Oct 5, 2013; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators center Jason Spezza (19) celebrates his goal against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

With the speculation on the weekend that both of Ontario’s NHL captains might be on the move, I wanted to look at it to see of a Jason Spezza for Dion Phaneuf deal in any way makes sense. To do that, you have to look at it from both sides.

From the Ottawa Senators standpoint, they need help in their own end. Phaneuf has had his struggles in that area. But, he has been under the glare of the media spotlight in Toronto and every little mistake was magnified, especially during the final month meltdown that resulted in them missing the playoffs. Being named captain of the Maple Leafs was also one of the worst things that could have happened for Phaneuf, who seems uncomfortable in the role of being the go-to guy in the media.

Spezza has 1 year left on his deal and will likely be looking for a massive extension that, given his injury history and percieved lack of an all-around game, the Senators might not be willing to meet.

Mar 28, 2014; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators center Jason Spezza (19) skates with the puck in the third period against the Chicago Blackhawks at the Canadian Tire Centre. The Senators defeated the Blackhawks 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports

Phaneuf on the Senators blue line could be a perfect partner for Erik Karlsson. Phaneuf would have a more defined defensive role and support Karlsson while still pitching in offensively and on the power play. Despite his misgivings and the criticism he has taken as a Maple Leaf, Phaneuf is still a first pair defenseman and has had the anchor of playing most of his minutes with Carl Gunnarson in Toronto.

From the Toronto Maple Leafs point of view, they would get that true #1 centre they haven’t had since Mats Sundin, while relieving themselves of a tough contract that he would have a hard time living up to in the Big Smoke.

Obviously, it is not as easy as a 1 for 1 deal, because there are other roster and salary implications. For instance, Toronto would have to take back a defenseman in the deal, either Patrick Wiercioch or Eric Gryba, because adding Phanuef alone would give Ottawa 9 defensemen on 1 way deals.

Toronto would also have to retain some of the Phaneuf contract, probably somewhere in the neighborhood of 20% or $1.4M per season. This would also ensure that Erik Karlsson would still be the highest paid Senators blueliner, at least when it comes to the Senators portion of their respective salaries.

Apr 8, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Dion Phaneuf (3) against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the second period at Tampa Bay Times Forum. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Ottawa would also need to get another asset back, either a solid prospect or a draft pick that might or might not be the #8 overall selection this season, or another forward prospect such as Josh Leivo.

This deal will likely never happen, because both franchises would be constantly reminded of their past history with the players on the other side. Jason Spezza might or might not, depending on your point of view, end up with the Maple Leafs after next season anyway, but you can bet Ottawa doesn’t want to be the team that gives him to them.

Jason Spezza For Dion Phaneuf – Could It Happen?

By Jared Crozier | May 12, 2014