Spezza part of the solution

Here's a section from the latest TSN Quiz. I notice the Spezza bashing has died down over the past week or two, but I still thought this was worth posting to reinforce the point. I think it's pretty telling that all three of these guys felt the same way about Spezza.

Question No. 1: Is Jason Spezza part of the problem or the solution in Ottawa?

Keith Jones: He is part of the solution. He's only 25 years old and has a tremendous amount of upside and skill is the key word. The talent is too good to move on; you will never get as much back in return. Fix the transition game first and get some defenceman for him.

Bob McKenzie: I agree. Spezza needs to be part of the solution. There's no question he's had some shortcomings and flaws in his game but are the fatal? No, build your team around what he gives you offensively and fill in the holes. Defensively and all the rest of the things you need elsewhere.

John Tortorella: I think he's definitely part of the solution. I haven't been hard on him in the past; I've been honest in the assessment of his play. He's a tremendously talented player but he has to do the other things to be a leader in those parts of the game for that team to move forward.

Pretty much mirrors what we all think yeah. Talented, but needs to bring it in other areas. Plus he needs to step up and lead this team by example.

I think the last couple games for sure he's looked like he wants to do those things and in some cases he has. Baby steps right?

I just like the point that they would be crazy to trade him. The Sens could never get the proper return for him. They are also right that they need to him so defensemen.

Mojo wrote:I just like the point that they would be crazy to trade him. The Sens could never get the proper return for him. They are also right that they need to him so defensemen.

I think that's true, no way will we get full value for him. I think Heatley would get a greater return.

hemlock wrote:

Mojo wrote:I just like the point that they would be crazy to trade him. The Sens could never get the proper return for him. They are also right that they need to him so defensemen.

I think that's true, no way will we get full value for him. I think Heatley would get a greater return.

It's quite possible he would. But I'm sure that if you asked those three guys on TSN if Heatley is part of the solution, they would have laughed and then answered even more favourably for Heatley than they did Spezza.

Mojo wrote:

hemlock wrote:

Mojo wrote:I just like the point that they would be crazy to trade him. The Sens could never get the proper return for him. They are also right that they need to him so defensemen.

I think that's true, no way will we get full value for him. I think Heatley would get a greater return.

It's quite possible he would. But I'm sure that if you asked those three guys on TSN if Heatley is part of the solution, they would have laughed and then answered even more favourably for Heatley than they did Spezza.

Quite possibly yes, but I'm finding it hard to be a Heatley fan right now. He just doesn't seem interested. If there is a rebuild, I'd much rather move Heatley (also, because I believe the return would be greater), than Spezza. That's of course after we've somehow found a way to move Fisher.

I am intersted to know who were the 9 people that Murray had private discussions with. It seems that shortly after these "private" (aka you better start playing or you are outta here!!) discussions that certain people have found their speed, skill, and desire to win. It just seems pretty sad that it had to come down to a potential ultimadum.

Funny...I just posted in another spot that the guys on the Quiz last night had me agreeing with them...although begrudgingly...but maybe they are right...

If Spez stays...Fish has to go...no?

I am not a fan of trading a perennial 50 goal winger in Heatley...which is why he is not mentioned...

ElliottRules wrote:I am intersted to know who were the 9 people that Murray had private discussions with. It seems that shortly after these "private" (aka you better start playing or you are outta here!!) discussions that certain people have found their speed, skill, and desire to win. It just seems pretty sad that it had to come down to a potential ultimadum.

Where did you get this quote about 9 players from? I don't think I have heard that yet.

Flippity-Floppity

Spezza bandwagon is back on the rails. Please! Spezza IS part of the solution, for sure. At the deadline, when contending teams on the bubble need one last piece to go for it, then they will offer the moon for this guy. And there lies the solution.

Again, there is no dispute that Spezza is a remarkable player. I have never said differently. I am sure he'll light it up with another team

beedub wrote:Flippity-Floppity

Spezza bandwagon is back on the rails. Please! Spezza IS part of the solution, for sure. At the deadline, when contending teams on the bubble need one last piece to go for it, then they will offer the moon for this guy. And there lies the solution.

Again, there is no dispute that Spezza is a remarkable player. I have never said differently. I am sure he'll light it up with another team

good point...

if the return is amazing...then I am all ears...however...if the return is poor...then he is to stay...

I still think Heatley is the guy to go, and would get just as much in return. This team is starting to prove it can win without Heatley just like they did when Spezza is out. They only need 1 of those 2 guys.

COLLAR UP wrote:

beedub wrote:Flippity-Floppity

Spezza bandwagon is back on the rails. Please! Spezza IS part of the solution, for sure. At the deadline, when contending teams on the bubble need one last piece to go for it, then they will offer the moon for this guy. And there lies the solution.

Again, there is no dispute that Spezza is a remarkable player. I have never said differently. I am sure he'll light it up with another team

good point...

if the return is amazing...then I am all ears...however...if the return is poor...then he is to stay...

Ah but don't forget the cap space it will free up as well.

I would love to see a list of UFA's this year. Use the cap space to plug some holes

Mojo wrote:

ElliottRules wrote:I am intersted to know who were the 9 people that Murray had private discussions with. It seems that shortly after these "private" (aka you better start playing or you are outta here!!) discussions that certain people have found their speed, skill, and desire to win. It just seems pretty sad that it had to come down to a potential ultimadum.

Where did you get this quote about 9 players from? I don't think I have heard that yet.

http://www.ottawacitizen.com/sports/hockey/ottawa-senators/Murray+appears+secure+status+much+less/1171196/story.html