Lost in the talk around the ridiculous cover on today’s edition of the Ottawa Sun was an interesting article about the status of Senators Captain Jason Spezza. Particularly, some important details about the no trade clause on his current contract.
Initially it was believed to have been a full no trade clause but according to Bruce Garrioch’s league source, which I assume is Bryan Murray, Spezza does not have a full NTC. According to the article, Spezza was required to submit a list of 10 teams he could not be traded to back in July 2012. This is an important distinction as it gives the Senators a lot more leverage as they explore a deal for their Captain this summer.
We’ve talked about the situation at length here on the site but it is important to understand that this time, both sides seem to agree that it is for the best to go their separate ways. It remains to be seen how many teams actually have legitimate interest in Spezza but we know Anaheim, St. Louis and Colorado were involved. Toronto and Phoenix make sense too. It sounds like Bryan Murray will have some options this summer.
So if there was every any doubt about Spezza’s future, this article and corresponding newspaper cover pretty much solidifies it. Before going to print with a story like this, you can be certain Garrioch has the blessing of the organization, in way or another.
Unless the offers fall short of Murray’s demand, it sure looks like the Ottawa Senators are going to lose their Captain for a second consecutive summer.
