Ottawa Senators should bring back Jason Spezza this summer

Jason Spezza is a free agent this summer and the Ottawa Senators should consider bringing their former captain back for one last time.

The Ottawa Senators will be looking to add some veteran players in free agency this summer and former captain Jason Spezza could be an ideal target.

Spezza’s five-year spell with the Dallas Stars is set to come to an end this summer, with the 35-year-old’s four-year contract carrying a $7.5 million annual cap hit expiring.

As a UFA, Spezza is free to talk to any team around the league and it appears the Senators could be quite high on his list of potential suitors.

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Speaking to TSN’s Pierre LeBrun, Spezza spoke of the good relationships he still has with Sens personnel and how he left the organisation under good terms – both seemingly leaving the door open on a possible return to the Canadian capital.

Approaching 36 years old, Spezza has earned his money in the NHL – combining for over $87 million according to CapFriendly.

Any new deal the Mississauga, Ontario native signs is likely to be short-term and very low in terms of monetary value.

A one-year deal around $1 million could be enough to secure Spezza’s services, with the face-off winning centre operating as a mentor to the team’s young prospects.

Spezza isn’t going to produce too much offensively anymore, recording eight goals and 27 total points this past season, but his 58.2% success in the face-off circle is something that could be valuable from a bottom six forward.

With the organisation going through a difficult transitioning period, bringing back a familiar and popular face in Spezza could be a move well-received by fans.

Spezza could be the ideal leadership figure for the team’s prospects to follow, setting a good example both on and off the ice.

The fact that Spezza has publicly opened the door to returning to the Ottawa Senators could be the first step in seeing the former captain don the red, white and black once again.

With the team heading into a full rebuild, it is unlikely that general manager Pierre Dorion would be able to attract many big name free agents – with many seeking teams that have a real chance of making the playoffs next season.

So adding veteran players that will be serviceable across the line-up and providing real mentoring to the team’s top prospects is the sensible approach – especially in the short-term.

Once the Senators start seeing their prospects take over, results should begin to improve and the team will finally start moving towards being a playoff contender once again.

What do you think though Sens fans? Would you like to see Spezza back in the capital? What other veterans would you like to see the team bring in for the short-term? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!