from Ken Warren of Senators Extra,

“Paul is our coach, he’s going to be our coach going into next year,” said Melnyk, who suggested that there could be other changes within the coaching staff and hockey operations department.

While he cleared up MacLean’s status, the water is still muddy as far as Spezza is concerned.

“Jason understands what his role was and is,” said Melnyk. “He’s a professional and understands that he could be here today and gone tomorrow, or he could stay long term and be with the team for many years. (His future) is dependent on on what other pieces we need to put together.

“He’s one of 20 plus players. You can’t put all on his shoulder.”...

At the same time, however, Melnyk says that doesn’t mean he’s going to spend to the NHL salary cap. He insists the best avenue to success is spending money “behind the scenes”, scouting properly and on developing players from within.

“It’s very, very easy to increase payroll,” he said. “Any idiot can do it. Lots of idiots do.”

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