Heatley 2.0?? Would Oilers Really Target Spezza?

The answer to the Taylor or Tyler debate might just be a 26 year old center who seems to be sick of Ottawa. Thats right, Senators Center Jason Spezza might just be the key to who the Oilers take June 25th at the NHL entry draft. Why you might be asking? Well today there was a report that I'm sure most of you have read by now that, in short was all about how Sens GM Bryan Murray thinks Spezza is unhappy and frustrated with the media and fans in Ottawa over the way that they treated him this past season. Last off-season this all happened with Dany Heatley. Only difference is Heatley said he wanted out and did not want to return to Ottawa. When asked today Spezza said he would like to play in Ottawa this coming season, but one could sense how he really felt. Last year the Oilers had a deal in place which would have sent Andrew Cogliano, Dustin Penner and Ladislav Smid to Ottawa for Heatley. If the Oilers were to offer that same package for Spezza, the Sens would without doubt say yes. This season however Penner outscored and looked better than Spezza, and Smid filled a role on the 2nd defensive pairing very well. The deal would be in favor of Ottawa big time. The Oilers would also have the problem of trying to fit both Horcoff and Spezza under the cap if that trade were to happen, making it more in favor of Ottawa, and less possible to happen. If a trade for Spezza were to happen for these Oilers it would have to include Shawn Horcoff going to Ottawa. Something along the lines of Horcoff, Cogliano, Plante and a 3rd next season sounds right for a highly priced Center whose numbers have been going down. Back to the draft, if Spezza were to become an Oiler, Taylor Hall would be the first overall pick in the draft this season, giving the Oilers two solid players at every forward spot, 3 at Left Wing. The biggest question here is, would Spezza play in Edmonton? Look at his reasons for wanting to leave Ottawa, harsh media and fan treatment. If he doesn't live up to expectations in Edmonton, the same thing will happen. Will Spezza really be willing to go through with that or does he want to go somewhere like Dallas for example where hockey isn't the big sport and he can avoid the pressure? Do the Oilers risk losing a trade big time in order to fill a need and get a well known player? Who knows. Don't expect anything till after draft day though, and expect the rumors to start flying if the Oilers pass on Seguin and take Hall first overall. Just like with the Boston rumors this will be very interesting to keep an eye on through free agency day, after all the Oilers are always in on a star right?