Garrioch rumor

In case you missed it Ottawa Sens rumor monger Bruce Garrioch had this to say this morning:

It is believed the Edmonton Oilers and Columbus Blue Jackets have a mild interest in centre Jason Spezza, but neither team has had serious discussions.

Not many teams can afford to take a seven-year, $49 million (all terms US) deal with a no-movement clause that kicks in July 1.

Under pressure to make the post-season and without Derick Brassard, Jackets GM Scott Howson would like to do something cheaper. Sources say they have asked Murray about Vermette and centre Chris Kelly and might be offering up young defenceman Kris Russell in return.

Russell, 21, a 5-foot-10 blueliner who is making $510,000 on an entry-level contract, has to prove himself at the NHL level, but is a highly-skilled blueliner with an ability to pass the puck. The Senators would like to get somebody more established.

Murray said he will keep working to try to get a deal completed.

"I want to do something," said Murray. "It's not easy."

I just cannot see Howson making a move for Spezza. 1. His salary is too much for t his market and 2. the price to pay to get him is something I don't think Howson is willing to part with and 3. I just don't see Spezza fitting in with this direction this team is headed as there are rumblings he's not the most committed player out there. He's as talented as they come but you need talent and commitment.

Now Vermette are Chris Kelly are guys I could definitely see Howson making a play for. Vermette is having a horrible year (as are most of the Senators)... he's only scored 3g, 5a for 8 points in 35 games. He's signed for this year at 2.5 and next at 3 mil before becoming a UFA. Now we're talkin.

Here is forecasters breakdown:

ASSETS: Has excellent offensive instincts, on-ice vision and soft hands. Is dedicated to the game and displays loads of perseverance. Can play any position up front, and any role on a hockey team.
FLAWS: Will need to fill out his 6-1 frame to thrive at the NHL level. Does he have enough upside to make an offensive impact in the big league?
CAREER POTENTIAL: Top six forward.

Still he's only 26 and has put up 53, 39 and 33 points over the past 3 seasons and he's a center. The Jackets are interested because of those reasons and he could be a classic case of needing a change of scenery. A trio of Umberger, Brassard and Vermette is a nice group not even in their prime to fill out the middle of your lineup.

The article mentions Russell going the other way. That is fair value I think but I just don't see how Howson could move his only puck moving defensemen who is really showing signs -- we need to add to Russell not subtract.

The question is does Ottawa want roster players back or prospects...?....because from a Columbus standpoint they don't have a whole lot to give from their current roster but certainly have some pieces to deal if its prospects or draft picks.

If its roster pieces they Jackets would have to deal from their position of strength which is at wing or defensive defensemen. Guys like Methot, Tollefsen or Klesla could enter the discussion... I think on the wing though you'd have to look on the farm at a guy like Mayorov or maybe a Sestito.

Regardless the early trade picture is starting to come into focus as teams are starting to fall out of it and will most likely want young prospects or picks in return.

The good news for the Jackets is the majority of those look to be in the east with Ottawa, Atlanta, Tampa and the Islanders currently sporting the worst records in the NHL. St. Louis is the only West team in that mix. It always easier to make deals with squads in your opposite conference.

-LTL