from Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun,

Senators GM Bryan Murray told CTV Ottawa before Thursday's visit by the New York Rangers that the back surgery the club's top centre had may not allow him to return this year

"(Erik) Karlsson and (Spezza) are real borderline at this time," said Murray.

Speaking during the morning skate, Murray said Spezza has been having pain since the procedure and hasn't been on the ice lately. Earlier this month, Murray was hopeful Spezza would have returned in "two or three weeks".

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