Summary: Bryan Murray Media Availability: Spezza, Michalek, RFAs
A recap of GM Bryan Murray's Wednesday morning media availability.
Senators GM Bryan Murray spoke with the media this morning and covered a variety of topics including Jason Spezza, UFA winger Milan Michalek, and Ottawa's RFA class.
On Jason Spezza:
Bryan Murray says Jason Spezza's relationship with Paul MacLean was a not a reason for his decision to ask for a trade. #Sens
— AJ Jakubec (@AJonSports) June 19, 2014 This is interesting, but doesn't seem to jive with Spezza's offensively-minded play and the coach's stated belief in the 200-foot game. Murray again suggested that it was negative fan/media attention that was the reason for Spezza's request:
According to Murray, thee incessant "finger pointing" is why Spezza wants out
— Ken Warren (@Citizenkwarren) June 19, 2014 SO all Phillips' fault then? RT @Citizenkwarren: According to Murray, thee incessant "finger pointing" is why Spezza wants out
— Amelia (@silversevensens) June 19, 2014
Has the price for Spezza changed?
Murray says he's hoping for a real good player and something for the future for Spezza. #Sens
— AJ Jakubec (@AJonSports) June 19, 2014 Seems like Murray has stepped back from his previous stated aim of a good roster player, a prospect, and a first round pick.
Murray will not allow a team to negotiate with Spezza until a deal is completed.
— Murray Pam (@Pammerhockey) June 19, 2014 This is an interesting tidbit, as some had suggested Murray might let prospective buyers talk to his captain before completing the deal to try and get Spezza to ink an extension. Guess not. A bit of a risky move, it might have changed the asking price a little.
Spezza asked Murray to explore a trade, not demanding a move, not a "Heatley situation."
— Murray Pam (@Pammerhockey) June 19, 2014 It's good to know the team has a way forward if they can't hammer out a deal this summer and that the Sens can wait for the deadline. Still, this seems like a situation better resolved in the offseason.
Murray says the Senators could go without a captain if Spezza is dealt, but expects the team will anoint a 'C.'
— Wayne Scanlan (@HockeyScanner) June 19, 2014 On Milan Michalek:
Murray confirms there's a contract offer on the table for Milan Michalek and "there's a good chance" they can get deal done
— Ken Warren (@Citizenkwarren) June 19, 2014 This doesn't seem the wisest idea, especially with Spezza on his way out, but I guess it depends on price and term.
On RFAs:
Hoffman signed a one-year, two-way deal according to Pierre Dorion. #Sens
— AJ Jakubec (@AJonSports) June 19, 2014 DaCosta will sign in Europe, Hoffman re signed bynSenators to one year, two way deal
— Ken Warren (@Citizenkwarren) June 19, 2014 Senators in discussions with Robin Lehrer about short and long term extensions
— Ken Warren (@Citizenkwarren) June 19, 2014 Talks with Robin Lehner & Eric Gryba are ongoing. #Sens
— AJ Jakubec (@AJonSports) June 19, 2014 #sens hace signed Mike Hoffman to a 1 year 2 way contract. Have made offers to Robin Lehner and Eric Gryba #cbcott
— Dan Séguin (@SeguinSports) June 19, 2014 Most notable news here is both short term and long term deals are being explored with Robin Lehner.
On Rookies/Prospects/Young Players:
Randy Lee says Curtis Lazar, Mark Stone & Cody Ceci are among those who will attend the Sens Development Camp this year.
— AJ Jakubec (@AJonSports) June 19, 2014 #Sens asst GM Pierre Dorion: "It's an average draft...In my seven years here, it's one of the weakest."
— Murray Pam (@Pammerhockey) June 19, 2014 Randy Lee says they see Curtis Lazar's best fit as a winger. #Sens
— AJ Jakubec (@AJonSports) June 19, 2014 Lee singled out JG Pageau, Mark Stone & Mark Borowiecki for their play in the playoffs with Binghamton. #Sens
— AJ Jakubec (@AJonSports) June 19, 2014 #Sens asst GM Randy Lee: "Mark Stone wants to be at dev. camp, missed last one due to injury. Wants a step up to make the team."
— Murray Pam (@Pammerhockey) June 19, 2014 "If Curtis Lazar is to make the team next season it will be as a winger." Randy Lee #Sens
— Murray Pam (@Pammerhockey) June 19, 2014 really good comments from Murray on Zibanejad. believes he can be a 1C (likes Turris as an amazing #2). sigh of relief for @TravisHeHateMe
— ary. (@carteciel) June 19, 2014
Sounds like Mark Stone is doing everything in his power to seize a top-6 role this season and that the Sens would love for him to find a spot. Interesting to note the talk of Lazar as a winger and how that differs somewhat from the debate about Zibanejad on the wing. I think that's good news for J.G. Pageau. The strong praise for Pageau's season in Bingo combined with the talk about shifting Lazar to wing (a position he has played in junior) might mean the Sens see a spot for Pageau as the number three or number four centre this season.