AHL Texas Stars

Dallas Stars Acquire Jason Spezza from Ottawa Senators

Published on July 1, 2014 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Texas Stars News Release


CEDAR PARK, Texas - The Texas Stars, proud American Hockey League affiliate of the Dallas Stars, announced today that Dallas has acquired center Jason Spezza and right wing Ludwig Karlsson from the Ottawa Senators in exchange for right wing Alex Chiasson, left wing Alex Guptill and a second round selection in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft.

Spezza (SPEHT-zuh), 31, finished second on Ottawa last season recording 66 points (23-4366) in 75 regular-season games. He also finished the 2013-14 campaign ranked second on the team with 43 assists and tied for third on the club with 23 goals, including a team-high nine power play goals. Spezza finished the season ranking 19th in the NHL with a 54.0% faceoff win percentage (775-of-1436).

Originally selected No. 2 overall by Ottawa in the 2001 NHL Draft, Spezza has played all of his 11 NHL seasons with the Senators, and was named the team's eighth captain in franchise history in Sept. of 2013. He has amassed 687 points (251-436687) in 686 career regular-season contests. Spezza surpassed the 65-point plateau six times in his NHL career, and has recorded at least 50 points in nine of the last ten campaigns. He has also scored 20-or-more goals in seven of his last eight seasons, and eight times in his career.

"Jason is one of the elite playmakers in the game and fits our identity perfectly," said Nill. "Depth at the center position is paramount for winning in this League and his skill set and experience really solidifies our group."

The forward departs the Senators ranking second in Ottawa franchise history in goals (251), assists (436) and points (687). He also ranks sixth in Ottawa history with 686 games played. Spezza has made two All-Star Game appearances in his career, being named to the 2008 and 2012 All-Star squads.

The 6-foot-3, 220-pound native of Mississauga, Ontario had made eight appearances in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, registering 52 points (17-3552) in 56 career postseason contests. He also helped the Senators to the 2007 Stanley Cup Final, finishing the 2007 postseason tied for first on the team with 15 assists and 22 points (7-1522) in 20 games.

Spezza has represented Canada six times at the international level, skating most recently for Team Canada at the 2011 IIHF World Championships where he finished second on the team with seven points (4-37) in seven games in the tournament. Spezza helped Canada to two silver medals at the World Championships in 2008 and 2009, and also won the silver at the 2002 IIHF World Junior Championship.

Karlsson, 23, split the 2013-14 season between Binghamton of the American Hockey League and Elmira of the ECHL. In 39 games with Elmira, he registered 24 points (11-1324) in 39 games played. With Binghamton, he appeared in eight games and did not register a point.

The 6-foot-3, 200-pound native of Stockholm, Sweden was originally signed by Ottawa as an undrafted free agent on July 25, 2013. He spent two seasons at Northeastern University from 2011-13 combining to record 34 points (15-1934) in 49 games played.

Chiasson, 23, registered 35 points (13-2235) in 79 games for Dallas during the 2013-14 season. Originally selected by Dallas in the second round (38th overall) of the 2009 NHL Draft, the 6-foot-4, 205-pound native of Montreal, Quebec appeared in 86 NHL games with the Stars over two seasons posting 42 points (19-2342). Chiasson played in 66 career AHL games with Texas in 2011-12 and 2012-13, recording 40 points (14 goals, 26 assists) and 52 penalty minutes.

Guptill, 22, was originally selected by Dallas in the third round (77th overall) of the 2010 NHL Draft. The 6-foot-3, 175-pound native of Burlington, Ontario posted 25 points (12-1325) in 31 games for the University of Michigan in 2013-14. Guptill made his professional debut with Texas on April 4th against the Lake Erie Monsters and had two assists and six penalty minutes in five AHL games with the Stars. He remained with the team through the run to the 2014 Calder Cup Championship, but did not play in any playoff games.

Paul, 19, was originally selected by Dallas in the fourth round (101st overall) of the 2013 NHL Draft. The 6-foot-2, 202-pound native of Mississauga, Ontario posted 46 points (26-2046) in 67 regular season games with North Bay of the Ontario Hockey League in 2013-14.

The Texas Stars are preparing to defend their 2014 Calder Cup championship as the 2014-15 season rapidly approaches. Texas Stars season ticket packages for the 2014-15 season are on sale now. For more information, call (512) GO-STARS (467-8277) or visit www.TexasStarsHockey.com.

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