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It was a busy day in Philadelphia for the Senators and not just because Ottawa finally got to draft some players. Sens GM Bryan Murray was anxiously working the phones for another day, trying to find the right return package and destination for his captain, Jason Spezza.
Unlike yesterday, Murray batted .500 on the day. He indicated to members of the media that he had two good deals in place, but that Spezza would not agree to the move.
Told the Sens had two deals in place with teams who were on Jason Spezza's no-trade list. Bryan Murray confirmed Nashville was one of them.
— AJ Jakubec (@AJonSports) June 28, 2014
Sens GM Bryan Murray says he had a deal that made sense potentially with Nashville for Spezza but Spezza wouldn't waive to go there
— Pierre LeBrun (@Real_ESPNLeBrun) June 28, 2014
Bryan Murray has successfully used this strategy (working out deals with teams on a player's no trade list) before and it wasn't really successful. I understand you want to get the best possible return for your star player and Murray has indicated that Spezza might be a bit more flexible on his list than some, but this is a dangerous game. Frustration quickly mounts on both sides, especially with only one side leaking information.
Source told me this could drag into training camp unless Spezza expands his list. #Sens
— AJ Jakubec (@AJonSports) June 28, 2014
Bryan Murray says he has a Spezza deal with Nashville. But couldn't get Spezza to go
— Ken Warren (@Citizenkwarren) June 28, 2014
What's the end game here? To ensure the player will relent and agree to a team he's previously indicated he doesn't want to play for because the environment has become too toxic in Ottawa?
Despite his earlier interest, Nashville GM David Poile is having none of it.
Preds GM David Poile confirms he had serious interest in dealing for Spezza but was told by Spezza camp he wouldn't go to Nashville
— Pierre LeBrun (@Real_ESPNLeBrun) June 28, 2014
Asked about Spezza, who has Nashville on no-trade list, Poile said he won't pitch to player who doesn't want to be there.
— Nick Cotsonika (@cotsonika) June 28, 2014
With the draft over, the focus now shifts to July 1. While things feel increasingly negative on the Spezza front, once Paul Stastny signs, the Spezza market will look clearer.