Star Ottawa Senators centre Jason Spezza "wouldn't object" to a trade if it happened, general manager Bryan Murray told reporters at a press conference on Monday.
Spezza's future has been the subject of much speculation since the Senators closed out another season without making it to the Stanley Cup finals.
"He said he wouldn't object to it," Murray said. "He didn't come in and say, 'I have to be traded.' He didn't object to the fact that maybe it's time -- the way (he's) been received -- now maybe it's time."
Murray added the trade was not a sure thing.
"I said unfortuantely, that doesn't happen. You signed a long-term contract. We committed to you, you committed to us . . . we're not going to make a bet for you."
Trade could come as early as this week
Spezza inked a seven-year contract extension in 2007 reportedly worth US$49 million that will include a no-trade clause as of July 1.
With the NHL entry draft coming on the weekend, general managers from all teams will be in close contact this coming week. This leaves a narrow window of opportunity for a move before the no-trade clause takes effect.
Despite Spezza's rocky performance in the last season, which culminated with the team bowing out in the first round of playoffs, fans held a rally on Parliament Hill last weekend asking that Spezza remain with the team.
He has played with the Senators for much of the last seven years, only taking a pause to head back to the minors during the NHL lockout of 2004-05.
As recently as June 3, Spezza told the media he does want to stay with the team.
"Obviously, I've signed there, so I'm happy to be there," Spezza told the Canadian Press. "And we're looking forward to the future."
With files from The Canadian Press
