The Spezza Return Package: Who Are These Players?
A quick overview of the return package in the Jason Spezza deal.
Jason Spezza has been traded to Dallas for an NHLer in Alex Chiasson, two prospects, and a second round pick in 2015. A quick look at the pieces Ottawa got back is in order.
Alex Chiasson RW
The lone familiar name on the list, Chiasson, 23, played his college hockey at Boston University and was drafted in the second round, 38th overall by the Dallas Stars in 2009. In his first full season in the NHL, Chiasson had 13 goals and 35 points in 79 games and has the potential to be a top-6 forward. He's big (6'4", 205 lbs) and is still on the final year of his ELC.
Nick Paul LW
Paul played for the North Bay Battalion of the OHL in 2013-2014. In 67 games, he had 26 goals and 46 points. However, he caught fire in the playoffs, with 12 goals and 18 points in 22 games. He was drafted 101st overall by the Stars in 2013, he's another big forward (6'3", 200 lbs). Paul will be back in the OHL this season.
From Hockey Prospect at the time of Paul's draft:
Nicholas went into the Battalion training camp and earned a spot on the roster. In early and especially mid-season viewings, you could always find Paul playing physical, and showing a nice pair of hands in front of the net. He was not a good skater but was always able to remain involved in the play. However, towards the end of the season, he seemed to hit a wall likely due to playing his first full season at this level of play. He be- came a little more perimeter oriented and he essentially got away from his strengths. He is a strong player, who has a good chance to hear his name called at the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. When he sticks to his strengths he's an extremely effective player who plays a power game. However he needs to use the next season as an opportunity to elevate his play and show his true potential.
Alex Guptill LW
Guptill was drafted 77th overall by the Stars in 2010. He spent his college career at the University of Michigan, collecting 44 goals and 94 points in 110 games over three seasons with the Wolverines. The Newmarket, Ontario native's time in Ann Arbor was not without controversy. The 22-year-old is a big forward (6'3", 188 lbs) and signed an ELC with Dallas in March. Like Paul, he won't be in the NHL this season; Guptill will most likely find himself in Binghamton in 2014-2015.
From Defending Big D:
Guptill is a big bodied winger, 6-foot-3 and 187 pounds, who is known for his offensive ability, though his past two seasons in the NCAA have been marked by periods of ill discipline. These have forced him to be benched on several occasions. Most recently, he missed the season opener because he was being disciplined....
His most productive season for Michigan was his second season with the Wolverines in which he had 36 points in 38 games. This season has seen a step back offensively but hopefully turning pro will help mold him into an offensive threat at the professional level.
