SPEZZA HANGS EM UP

Nicholas D'Agostino

On May 29th the Toronto Maple Leafs announced that Jason Spezza has decided to retire. The 38 year-old has decided to hang up the skates after a long 19-year career in the NHL. Spezza was drafted 2nd overall in the 2001 NHL draft and went on to play for the Ottawa Senators, Dallas Stars and his hometown team: the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Spezza racked up 995 points in 1,248 career games played in the NHL. The two-time NHL All-Star (2008, 2012) ranks in the top 100 on the NHL’s All time list for games played (t-96th), points (94th) and assists (80th). In addition, Spezza represented his home country at the IIHF World Junior Championship three times (2000, 2001, 2002), the IIHF World Championship four times (2008, 2009, 2011, 2015) and capturing a gold medal, 3 silver medals and a bronze medal with his time for team Canada.

Born and raised in Mississauga Ontario, Spezza played 11 seasons with the Ottawa Senators, the same place where he blossomed into an NHL star. Spezza became everything Ottawa hoped for when they drafted him 2nd overall in 2001 as for many seasons he was one of their best offensive players aside from being a vital piece towards the overall team success. While in Ottawa, Spezza recorded 90 points twice and set the Ottawa Senators franchise record with the most assists in a season, finishing with 71.

After an incredible tenure with Ottawa, Spezza was traded to the Dallas Stars on July 1st 2014. Spezza continued his great play in Dallas as he scored 50 plus points in 3 of his 5 seasons there, including a 30 goal season. He also achieved a huge milestone while being a part of the Dallas Stars as he played his 1,000th career game on October 30th 2018.

After 5 seasons with the Stars, Spezza returned home and signed a 1-year deal in 2019-20 with the Leafs. Spezza spent three seasons with the Leafs as he signed consecutive 1-years deals in both 2020-21 and 2021-22.

Spezza was more than just a veteran player with the Leafs, he was a true character teammate. The entire organization of the Toronto Maple Leafs and the fans absolutely loved Jason Spezza. They loved the true passion he brought both on and off the ice.

The fans knew that Spezza loved playing for his hometown team, and he wanted to win a Stanley Cup for each and every Leaf fan across the globe. Many Fans appreciate everything that Spezza has brought to this organization and they will be gutted that the Leafs weren’t able to win the cup while he was there.

While most Leaf fans will be sad that Spezza is retiring, the positive news is that Spezza will be sticking with the Leafs, joining the Leafs front office. Spezza will be a special assistant to general manager Kyle Dubas which will be effective immediately. Even though Spezza wasn’t able to capture the Stanley Cup as a player, he and all of Leafs nation will hope he does as a member of the Leafs front office.

Congratulations to Jason Spezza on an incredible NHL career!