Ottawa Senators centre Jason Spezza "wouldn't object" to a trade if it happened, general manager Bryan Murray told reporters on Monday.
"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."
While no deal appears imminent, there was speculation on Monday night that Spezza was heading to the Blue Jackets in exchange for Derick Brassard, Kristian Huselius and the fourth overall pick at the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, but the rumour was quashed.
Spezza has been the subject of trade rumours and speculation since the Sens were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs. Adding more intrigue was a small fan rally on Parliament Hill over the weekend urging the Murray to keep the club's No. 1 centre.
Murray, who dealt star winger Dany Heatley last summer, added that a trade was not a sure thing.
"I said unfortunately, that doesn't happen," said Murray. "You signed a long-term contract. We committed to you, you committed to us...we're not going to make a bet for you."
Spezza inked a seven-year, $49 contract extension in 2007 and has a no-trade clause that kicks in on July 1. He has played his entire career with the Senators since being taken second overall by the team in 2001.
Murray also told reporters that soon-to-be said soon-to-be unrestricted free agent defenceman Anton Volchenkov test the market on July 1.
