Analysis of the Jason Spezza Trade to the Dallas Stars

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The 2014 NHL Free Agency has started off with a bang; one of the best players in the NHL from the Ottawa Senators, Jason Spezza, has been traded to the Dallas Stars for Alex Chiasson, two prospects and a 2nd round pick in the 2015 NHL Draft. Also included in the deal is LW/RW Ludwig Karlsson, who is being traded along with Spezza to the Stars. The three prospects GM Brian Murray traded for are RW Alex Chiasson, LW Alex Guptill and LW Nicholas Paul. As you can expect, as hasty as the situation with Spezza was, the Senators were never going to get fair value for their star. These three prospects will/can turn into above-average NHL players and who knows, the 2nd round pick in 2015 NHL Draft may uncover a hidden gem; however, a player of Jason Spezza’s caliber doesn’t come around so often and in the short term, Ottawa lost this deal no doubt. In the long term, things will look better but no team that trades away a star ever wins.

In trading for a star in Jason Spezza, the Dallas Stars (pun intended) have themselves a first rate NHL player that will either centre their first or second line. Either way, the Stars finally have a strong enough team to make a serious push in the playoffs. However, I’ll put my money on him being on the second line as Tyler Seguin is the team’s first line centre and the chemistry him and Jamie Benn share is undeniable. Spezza’s partners in crime on the second line would most likely be Antoine Roussel and Valeri Nichushkin and even though his line mates won’t be up to par with what he’s had in the past, expect him to produce like he normally does.

Although Ludwig Karlsson was only included in the deal for salary cap purposes, he is a prospect that has a decent chance for success in the NHL. Karlsson has soft hands and great puck skills to go along with his accurate shot and ability to use his 6’2, 194 lb frame to his advantage.

Anytime you acquire a player of Jason Spezza’s caliber, you almost always win the trade; well done Dallas Stars, well done.

The major piece in what the Ottawa Senators received in this deal was Alex Chiasson. The 23 year old played his first full season in the NHL last season and scored 13 goals with 22 assists for 35 points in 79 games. It wasn’t a great season overall but may I remind you that he’s only 23? Chiasson still has to mature his game and fill out his 6’4 frame a bit more as he’s only 202 lbs. Not only that but he’ll improve in all facets of his game, becoming a more talented version of Blake Wheeler as his playmaking ability is exceptional like his player comparison.

Alex Guptill is going to live out every NHL player’s dream; to play in one’s hometown. The 22 year old has the potential to grow into a very powerful, goal scoring winger as his 6’3, 181 lb frame certainly helps . Guptil is already a high IQ player and that will only make the adjustment to the NHL easier.

To complete the trio is Nicholas Paul, the 19 year old shutdown defensive player. He has a chance to become a solid two-way forward in the NHL. Paul’s powerful 6’2, 202 lb frame paired with his superior puck handling skills is a rare combination. Even with his above-average puck handling skills, Paul still needs to make strides in the offensive department. Although he does have a solid shot, it’s not enough as his foot speed and stride need bettering. With all that said, Nicholas Paul has room for potential as he’s only 19 year old and full of talent on the defensive end.

What the Ottawa Senators gained in this trade was size, three big bodied players that could grow even more. Alex Chiasson and the others will only help contribute to the changing identity of the team from the nation’s capital. Even though it may be safe to say that the Dallas Stars came out on top, the Ottawa Senators got some pieces in this deal that could eventually turn into quality NHL players. Chiasson is the big prize here as he’s one of the game’s top young NHL player’s and Guptill and Paul are solid.

Jason Spezza may have forced himself out of Ottawa with the trade request, but let’s just be glad that he didn’t pull a Dany Heatley.

Phew.