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2014 NHL Free Agency: Dallas Stars On Jason Spezza’s “No Go” List?

Pierre LeBrun reported from today’s draft that Dallas Stars general manager Jim Nill had inquired about both Jason Spezza and Joe Thornton, centers that have been rumored to be on the move this summer.

What he found out is that Thornton at this point has no intention to waive his no-movement clause, and the Stars are one of the 10 teams on Spezza’s no-no list as part of his partial no-trade clause.

That’s contrary to the initial reports back on June 17th of Spezza’s no go list, as Darren Dreger reported that the teams on that list had been the six Canadian teams (Vancouver Canucks, Edmonton Oilers, Calgary Flames, Toronto Maple Leafs, Winnipeg Jets, Montreal Canadians) along with the Nashville Predators, New York Islanders, Carolina Hurricanes and Columbus Blue Jackets.

Then two days ago, on Insider Trading, Bob McKenzie named four other teams than what was originally stated: Florida, Carolina, New York Islanders, and Columbus.

Does anyone really know what teams are on his no go list, or does that list seem to keep changing? Or has he changed his mind on playing for one of those Canadian teams? Because Dallas + Nashville + New York Islanders + Carolina + Columbus would be 1/2 of his 10-team no trade list, if they’re all really on there.

Regardless, Dallas seems to be out on both Thornton and Spezza today, and the need for a number two center is still there.

[UPDATE: It would seem that the inconsistency in reporting of who was on Spezza’s no trade list lead to the line being removed from LeBrun’s article. So now we’re left to wonder if it’s not a matter of being on the no trade list, as much as it is of Spezza just not wanting to come to Dallas. Either way, the sentiment is the same though the wording is slightly different it would seem. /UPDATE]

Jim Nill was on 1310 The Ticket earlier and wouldn’t divulge what free agents he had discussions with, but he did say that he had had discussions with all of the top free agents. The trick is finding a fit on both sides, the team and the player.

Talking Points