Mar 18, 2014; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators center Jason Spezza (19) shoots the puck in the third period against the New York Rangers at the Canadian Tire Centre. The Rangers defeated the Senators 8-4. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
Jason Spezza, who is one of the more polarizing figures in the history of the Ottawa Senators, attempted to fill impossibly big shoes in his first season as the captain.
HIGHS
- Recorded his 8th 20-goal season & 8th 60 point season
- Had great chemistry with Ales Hemsky following the latter’s arrival at the trade deadline
LOWS
- His career-worst -26 rating was pointed to to highlight perceived defensive deficiencies.
- Failed to find chemistry with Bobby Ryan, with whom he was expected to form a dynamic offensive duo
CONTRACT STATUS
Jason Spezza will be entering the final year of his contract. His cap hit is $7M but his actual salary is just $4M this coming season. After that, he will become an unrestricted free agent, should he not be re-signed.
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PROGNOSIS
Spezza’s offensive numbers are still there, but the big question is, was his +/- number a blip, a consequence of a confounding team season, or a sign of things to come for him. Scratch that, the BIG question is where will Spezza be playing next season. Rumors that he told management he would be open for a deal, and that management is shopping him around, lead to speculation that he might be suiting up for another club come September.
GRADE: C : Jason Spezza should be a guy who makes those around him better. Much of the season was centered around finding someone to play with him. That guy was found, in Ales Hemsky, but it was too late for the Senators to make a playoff run.