Not only Spezza, but recently, we have wondered if Tyler will want to stick around or test the UFA market when he gets there. Seemed like a sure resigning bet last year, but if next year is like this one, he will have second thoughts. A young center might fit right in.
We have bodies on D, although no No. 1 stud, but we might end up being short on centers. Eakin might be gone, leaving Faksa, Dickenson and the new guy, assuming Spezzas production declines with age. $7M is a lot for 16, 30 and whatever goals he ends up with this year. See no reason to expect more than 15 out of him the rest of the way.