Spezza "was phenomenal in the locker room"

The Sun’s Don Brennan looks at what Patrick Wiercioch can bring to the Ottawa Senators, which also happens to include a quote to which poolies might want to pay attention.

"He's arguably the best passer on (the Ottawa) defence and he can run a power play," said one NHL executive. "He's ready for a breakout year."

Speaking of fantasy sports, that leads into a note from the defenceman himself which may interest Sens fans concerning former captain Jason Spezza.

"Jason was phenomenal in the locker room," he said. "A lot of guys were critical of on ice or anything, but being a young guy ... one of the things I keep telling people is that he was able to relate to everyone in the room.

"He had kids of his own, so if there was a guy that had some family issues and wanted to talk about their kids, what they're going through in school or anything, he was there to talk to, and he's in a fantasy baseball league with the 23 and 20 year olds, so it shows his range as a leader, just to stay involved in the locker room.

"I wish him all the best in Dallas. He's still in our fantasy league so we keep in touch with him about that sort of thing, but I'm sure he's happy just to move on and start over."

Source: Don Brennan, Ottawa Sun