Spezza/Sens Blogger rant with a small pinch of Alfie

M_Christopher

M_Christopher

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Number of posts : 982
Registration date : 2009-03-30

Ah….off-season in Ottawa….bare-with me as this is going to be a little unorganized…

A time of year where Melnyk is blasted by Sens bloggers everywhere, regardless if it’s factual or even relevant.

The basis for all these blogs?

Alfie leaving town.

While no one knows for sure the exact reasons , along with what events transpired, that are actually relevant to Alfie leaving, the general rule of thumb among Sens bloggers is it’s Melnyk’s fault.

Sidenote: I challenge Sens bloggers to go the entire off-season with attacking Melnyk unless he does something completely insane. Write about the actual organization not the idiot owner.

Ignored was everything else. Alfie’s attitude at the end of the playoffs, he’s response after he signed in Detroit , he’s undecided outlook on his own future…so on and so forth.

All that matters is the Sens refused to pay what Alfie asked for…

Not to delve too deep into this whole situation, but it wasn’t completely unreasonable for the Sens to not pay a 40 year old player upwards of 7 million a year. (His rumored initial asking price.)

Now we’re almost a full year later and we’re on to a Spezza trade request.

I’ve yet to read any Sens blog that brings it up, mind you I don't read too many anymore because I’m tired of hearing about Melnyk’s financial situation, Jason has been the whipping boy in Ottawa since ’07. No one should be shocked he wants out, what player wouldn’t, and regardless it’s clear management wants to change directions.

Now the latest turn in this saga, is Brad May coming out and saying Spezza didn’t out-right ask for a trade, he in fact just wanted a financial commitment from the organization to better the team.

I call bull-Dung on that. First off, anything that comes from Sportsnet should be taken with a grain of salt. Second…Spezza has been Dung on, unmercilessly, fans and media alike.

Hemsky reportedly said he’d be interested in signing with Ottawa provided Jason Spezza was part of the picture. Spezza’s not, so Hemsky didn’t want to stay. That’s the cut and dry of that situation.

Spezza hasn’t been part of the long-term plans for this team since early to mid last season, atleast. Short of the Sens making the playoffs and going deep he was going to be trade.

Less than 30 people showed up to a save Spezza rally; I’m pretty sure Clarke Macarthur rally would have brought more fans out. (Not a shot at Spezza, just an observation on his true popularity vs. the perception of his popularity.)

The pro and anti Spezza groups will aim at their usual points – his point production as a positive and his +/- along with injury history as a negative.

The truth is somewhere in the middle – when healthy he is a very capable, talented #1 Center on atleast 60% of teams in league.

Personally I think he isn’t an elite center – Toews, Crosby, Malkin, Stamkos, Datsyuk, Tavares, Giroux…

He very much fits somewhere in the group of – Bergeron, Getzlaf, Backstrom, Kopitar, Backes, Thornton…

And for those questioning why Murray publicly declared Spezza asked for a trade, while it could hamper his return, all Murray was trying to do was get more people calling…and based on Calgary calling, I’d say its worked.

Sidenote: Not overly hating the offer from the Flames, Backlund has proven to be a reliable 2nd/3rd line tweener, Hudler is a decent 2nd line option, Wideman would be a moveable asset, or aid in the Sens moving other D-men, and a 2nd round pick is a 2nd round pick….Sens would be better off for a 1st in 2015 than a 2nd in a shallow draft, but that wouldn’t come from Calgary.

If Sens fans hate the Calgary offer, they may want to temper expectations – we may not win this trade, but the goal is to not lose it.

Still think Berglund, prospect, Pick is going to be the best return.

Going to do my usual Draft preview sometime this week for the people that enjoy it.

Mon Jun 16, 2014 10:01 am by **wprager** · Mon Jun 16, 2014 10:01 am by **wprager**

Less than 30 people showed up to a save Spezza rally; I’m pretty sure Clarke Macarthur rally would have brought more fans out. (Not a shot at Spezza, just an observation on his true popularity vs. the perception of his popularity.)

Thing is, Clarke MacArthur would not be in need of a "Save Clarke" rally. So, saying that more people would turn out is really without merit. If MacArthur was being run out of town, I don't know if there would even be a rally, much less a turnout.

Mon Jun 16, 2014 10:03 am by **rooneypoo** · Mon Jun 16, 2014 10:03 am by **rooneypoo**

NEELY wrote:I don't think it's unreal that they said to Spezza "we don't want to commit long term to you" which IMO has nothing to do with budget.

This was my read of the situation, too, FWIW.

Mon Jun 16, 2014 10:06 am by **wprager** · Mon Jun 16, 2014 10:06 am by **wprager**

SpezDispenser wrote:Good post, but yeah, you put Spezza in a category that makes him look a little better than he actually is. Getzlaf is miles better.

It's true though, I don't blame Spezza for wanting out and I don't blame Ottawa for not wanting to commit long term to him.

Done and done. For the record the Calgary return was not too bad, but youth needs to be served.

Think he meant when Spezza is healthy. Two years ago he was 4th in the league in scoring. Don't recall what his +/- were at the time but pretty sure it was in the top 3rd or so for the team. No, he's never going to be a Selke finalist but when healthy he can be in the same tier with Getzlaf based on his offensive contributions.

Mon Jun 16, 2014 10:09 am by **wprager** · Mon Jun 16, 2014 10:09 am by **wprager**

Flo The Action wrote:ya calgary's offer was somewhat ok. Backlund has question marks all over him. Wideman could be effective in my opinion. Hudler could do well on our 2nd line. but as it won't happen we better start hoping something else goes our way. I think we should set our eyes on the stars. My bet is either st-louis or Anaheim will win the kesler sweepstake and the other my go the stasney route. personally i think the stars could offer us the best package.

The only return we'd want from Calgary is their 1st round pick, but that's not happening, so no thank you.

Besides I would be surprised if any Canadian teams outside of our Conference are *not* on Spezza's no-trade list. While he wouldn't mind playing in Toronto, he knows he is not going to get traded in-Division or even in-Conference, so he's likely not putting any Atlantic teams on his list (or maybe not even any EC teams) -- wasted anti-picks.

Mon Jun 16, 2014 10:33 am by NEELY · Mon Jun 16, 2014 10:33 am by NEELY

rooneypoo wrote:

NEELY wrote:I don't think it's unreal that they said to Spezza "we don't want to commit long term to you" which IMO has nothing to do with budget.

This was my read of the situation, too, FWIW.

Sens gave up on him, how ever Spezza wants to relay that info to the media or digest it himself is a none factor and shouldn't be taken at his word.

Mon Jun 16, 2014 12:03 pm by **tim1_2** · Mon Jun 16, 2014 12:03 pm by **tim1_2**

Spezza leaving is a positive thing regardless of the reason.

Mon Jun 16, 2014 12:06 pm by **PTFlea** · Mon Jun 16, 2014 12:06 pm by **PTFlea**

NEELY wrote:Ah I like MC... should be around here more often. Absolutely 100% the only blogger I can stand in any kind of way and enjoy his takes.

That said I agree with Ev about Kopitar... guy is a legit super star and carried a country at the Olympics. Same with Getzlaf, he's a winner through and through. The group Spezza falls into? Thornton, Staal, Sedin, those types of guys. Players that give you something substantial but still leaves you wanting more. Also all guys that are going to be on the down swing of their careers and need to get away from their teams and vis versa.

Backlund is 100% the best player you will get back in any deal right now. He has everything, size, speed, handedness in the Sens case, plays 200 feet, a very solid 2C option. If you can get Jaskin back as the prospect I also think there is major potential there being he's 6'3 and can skate too. Pick is just gravy and hopefully they can snag a 2nd or 3rd line forward out of that first round.

Calgary's offer? Meh. Wideman I would avoid, Hurdler is a spare part, Backlund is solid though but still would prefer Berglund. Point being is a Spezza trade IMO is a shift towards youth, a new identity, and responsible team play top to bottom, not trying to hang on for a playoff spot for a few years and then are just back to where they were this year and a couple years past. Spezza should be moved in 7-10 days, can't wait to see what the return is and can't wait to see how the Sens build up their team from here on out. This is the exciting part.

Backlund is the best option or berglund is the best option? I assume you meant berglund.

And it's not IF Ryan walks, it's if the Sens don't sign him on July 1st. All sorts of red flags if that doesn't get done right away.

Mon Jun 16, 2014 12:18 pm by **DefenceWinsChampionships** · Mon Jun 16, 2014 12:18 pm by **DefenceWinsChampionships**

I fully expect Ryan to sign a contract so that his UFA year lines up with Karlsson's. The two appear to be good friends off the ice and may look at moving somewhere together - similar to Parise/Suter.

Mon Jun 16, 2014 12:19 pm by **wprager** · Mon Jun 16, 2014 12:19 pm by **wprager**

tim1_2 wrote:Spezza leaving is a positive thing regardless of the reason.

That's a pretty silly thing to say. Spezza leaving means they made a mistake of a very high order. You don't award someone the 'C', then take it away a year later, and call that a positive thing.

Mon Jun 16, 2014 12:20 pm by **rooneypoo** · Mon Jun 16, 2014 12:20 pm by **rooneypoo**

wprager wrote:

tim1_2 wrote:Spezza leaving is a positive thing regardless of the reason.

That's a pretty silly thing to say. Spezza leaving means they made a mistake of a very high order. You don't award someone the 'C', then take it away a year later, and call that a positive thing.

You give Spezza the "C" so he doesn't sulk for a year, and because you're hoping he succeeds. PSYC 101 here.

Mon Jun 16, 2014 12:22 pm by **DefenceWinsChampionships** · Mon Jun 16, 2014 12:22 pm by **DefenceWinsChampionships**

wprager wrote:

tim1_2 wrote:Spezza leaving is a positive thing regardless of the reason.

That's a pretty silly thing to say. Spezza leaving means they made a mistake of a very high order. You don't award someone the 'C', then take it away a year later, and call that a positive thing.

Was it a mistake giving it to him -or- a mistake for him to accept it. Very different questions. It was pretty clear that Ottawa wanted to build around Spezza. Things didn't work out. End of story.

Who becomes the new captain?

Mon Jun 16, 2014 12:25 pm by Ev · Mon Jun 16, 2014 12:25 pm by Ev

rooneypoo wrote:

wprager wrote:

tim1_2 wrote:Spezza leaving is a positive thing regardless of the reason.

That's a pretty silly thing to say. Spezza leaving means they made a mistake of a very high order. You don't award someone the 'C', then take it away a year later, and call that a positive thing.

You give Spezza the "C" so he doesn't sulk for a year, and because you're hoping he succeeds. PSYC 101 here.

Also if he stayed healthy they probably would have re signed him longterm, if he wanted to be here.

Mon Jun 16, 2014 12:25 pm by **rooneypoo** · Mon Jun 16, 2014 12:25 pm by **rooneypoo**

DefenceWinsChampionships wrote:

wprager wrote:

tim1_2 wrote:Spezza leaving is a positive thing regardless of the reason.

That's a pretty silly thing to say. Spezza leaving means they made a mistake of a very high order. You don't award someone the 'C', then take it away a year later, and call that a positive thing.

Was it a mistake giving it to him -or- a mistake for him to accept it. Very different questions. It was pretty clear that Ottawa wanted to build around Spezza. Things didn't work out. End of story.

Who becomes the new captain?

Off the top of my head, I give it to Turris or Karlsson now. Signal the youth movement.

Mon Jun 16, 2014 12:28 pm by **rooneypoo** · Mon Jun 16, 2014 12:28 pm by **rooneypoo**

Ev wrote:

rooneypoo wrote:

wprager wrote:

tim1_2 wrote:Spezza leaving is a positive thing regardless of the reason.

That's a pretty silly thing to say. Spezza leaving means they made a mistake of a very high order. You don't award someone the 'C', then take it away a year later, and call that a positive thing.

You give Spezza the "C" so he doesn't sulk for a year, and because you're hoping he succeeds. PSYC 101 here.

Also if he stayed healthy they probably would have re signed him longterm, if he wanted to be here.

Yep. I think this was a year-long experiment / tryout to see if Spezza could fit the role. You have to give him the shot because of how long he's been here and how vocal he's been about 'wanting to lead,' and because if you don't give it to him you're saying you don't believe in him, which isn't going to help him or the team. So they gave it to him and then he / the team had the year he / it did, and here we are.

Mon Jun 16, 2014 12:33 pm by **LeCaptain** · Mon Jun 16, 2014 12:33 pm by **LeCaptain**

Take the Kings roster, Jeff Carter, Justin Williams, Dustin Brown, Anze Kopitar etc. There's a lot of them that are captain material and we don't even know who to give it to in Ottawa.

Mon Jun 16, 2014 12:41 pm by **DefenceWinsChampionships** · Mon Jun 16, 2014 12:41 pm by **DefenceWinsChampionships**

They're going to give it to Phillips, Karlsson gets pissed, and requests a trade next summer (E4).

Mon Jun 16, 2014 12:46 pm by Ev · Mon Jun 16, 2014 12:46 pm by Ev

LeKing wrote:Take the Kings roster, Jeff Carter, Justin Williams, Dustin Brown, Anze Kopitar etc. There's a lot of them that are captain material and we don't even know who to give it to in Ottawa.

Jeff carter?

Mon Jun 16, 2014 12:56 pm by NEELY · Mon Jun 16, 2014 12:56 pm by NEELY

wprager wrote:

tim1_2 wrote:Spezza leaving is a positive thing regardless of the reason.

That's a pretty silly thing to say. Spezza leaving means they made a mistake of a very high order. You don't award someone the 'C', then take it away a year later, and call that a positive thing.

Modano, Lecailvier, both guys who wore the "C" and had it taken away. They stayed well after that as well.

Spezza leaving is a positive, no question.

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Spezza/Sens Blogger rant with a small pinch of Alfie

Spezza/Sens Blogger rant with a small pinch of Alfie

M_Christopher

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