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Be careful what you wish for.

Jason Spezza is many a Sens fan whipping boy. Even I have gotten on his case once in awhile.

But I know talent when I see it and there is much more upside than downside to his game.

His no trade clause kicks in July 1st and the rumours are in full force suggesting he'll be traded. And most of those rumours seem to also indicate the Senators, if they did trade him, would not get full value in return if he's dealt.

And that's why the Sens should not trade him.

Let's look at what's happened in the last three season. 2008, first round sweep. In 2009, they missed the playoffs altogether.

This year, they made the playoffs and took the defending Cup champs to six games, despite missing two of their top six forwards.

Yup, looks like they're not going in the right direction.

First line centres don't grow on trees. Spezza is a point a game player, both in the regular season and post season.

He had a 57 points in 60 games last year, despite playing injured (doing so because he wanted to play for Team Canada) and managed 7 points in 6 games in this year's playoffs.

So who would replace him if he's gone? Mike Fisher is a #2 centre at best. Peter Regin has shown he performs better as a winger. Chris Kelly has no offensive upside. Ditto Jesse Winchester. Sophomore Zach Smith may or may not work out. Matt Cullen may or may not resign.

Consider Ottawa is likely not resigning Anton Volchenkov, arguably their best defensive defenseman, Bryan Murray has to stop the bleeding and improve the franchise, not turn Ottawa into a fly by night city where stars stay for a cup of coffee then bail.

Jason Spezza turns over the puck, yes, but so does every star player in the league. There's a reason why there's a lot of talk about him...it's because he's an impact player that can make a tremendous difference for a team.

Some say his failure at winning a Stanley Cup is another reason he should go. Question: Do you think Rick Nash is a horrible player? Because he hasn't won a playoff game much less a Cup since entering the league. Last time I checked, he's an awesome player.

Ottawa will be a weaker team without him. Unless he doesn't want to be here, and unless you can get a true bonafide #1 centre in return...he should stay.