Captain:
“I’m very optimistic going into the season. I like our team, and if we can stay healthy, I think a lot of good things will happen.”

Spezza sztori:

Ottawa fans booed Spezza for his giveaways in the playoffs, prompting the 27-year-old to tell GM Bryan Murray to trade him if he felt it would help the team.

“First of all, he’s in great shape,” coach Cory Clouston said when asked about his No. 1 centre. “I spoke with him (Thursday) morning, back at the rink ... real good attitude, excited about the season to get going, and to me, he’s in the best mental frame that I’ve seen him in since I’ve been with the organization. We’re excited for him.

“Any time you face any type of adversity, if you handle it the right way, you’re going to be a better person for it. The condition he’s in, the mind frame he’s in, he handled it the exact way we wanted him to.”

Alfredsson said Spezza will be motivated — just like the whole team will be — and expects fans to be behind Spezza. Alex Kovalev figures Spezza has to shut out distractions.

“If he ignores you guys and plays hockey, he should be fine,” said Kovalev. “If he starts putting in his head what people think about him, it’s definitely hard to play hockey.”

Spezza, meanwhile, is just anxious to get back on the ice. He made some adjustments in his off-season training, again working on getting quicker and stronger, but also concentrating on his “own personal needs” rather than a general program.

He also learned how to change diapers, as his first child, Sophia Donna, was born June 8.

“Obviously, I want to carry on, from how my second half went,” said Spezza. “Get off to a better start. It was tough having a tough start last year.

“I’m just excited to play again. All the stuff that went on in the summer can become a distraction, when there’s no hockey. I’m excited to get back playing and everything is behind us. I’ve worked hard this summer and really looking forward to the year.”

And how does he think he’ll be received by the fans come October?

“Hopefully, my play will speak for itself,” said Spezza. “Everybody knows where my head is at, the guys on the team know. I’m excited to be back here. I think we’ve good, good club.”