Veteran forward Jason Spezza announces retirement, will join Maple Leafs front office

TORONTO – Veteran Maple Leafs ahead Jason Spezza introduced his retirement Sunday after a 19-season NHL profession.

The 38-year-old is transferring into the Maple Leafs’ entrance workplace as a particular assistant to GM Kyle Dubas.

Taken second total by Ottawa within the 2001 draft, Spezza spent his first 11 seasons with the Ottawa Senators earlier than becoming a member of the Dallas Stars in 2014 and Toronto in 2019.

Spezza recorded 995 factors (363 objectives and 632 assists) in 1,248 profession regular-season NHL video games, with one other 76 factors (28 objectives and 48 assists) in 97 profession playoff video games.

The 2-time NHL all-star (2008, 2012) ranks within the high 100 on the NHL’s all-time listing for video games performed (t-96th), assists (eightieth) and factors (94th).

He had 12 objectives and 13 assists in 71 video games this season, including one other help in 5 playoff outings.

“Hockey has been my life’s work and to have the ability to come residence to Toronto and bookend my enjoying profession the place it began was unbelievable,” Spezza stated in a press release. “To the followers — in Ottawa, Dallas, Toronto and throughout the league — your influence on the sport is immeasurable. I’ll by no means have the ability to replicate that feeling of stepping onto the ice to the roar of the group, however it’s one thing I’ll all the time keep in mind. Thanks.”

The eighth captain in Ottawa franchise historical past, Spezza ranks sixth in video games performed (686), and second in objectives (251), assists (436) and factors (687) via his 11 seasons as a Senator.

Spezza added veteran savvy to the Leafs throughout his time in Toronto, typically enjoying an even bigger function with the staff off the ice than on it.

“It’s tough to explain simply how a lot of a long-lasting and constructive influence that Jason Spezza made in his three seasons with the Maple Leafs,” stated Dubas. “Jason’s ardour for the sport of hockey, his want to repeatedly push himself and his teammates to enhance, in addition to his capability to make robust connections with all members of the group, have been invaluable.

“Although at the moment marks the tip of his tenure with us as a participant, it’s a pleasure to have him be a part of our entrance workplace to impart all that he has to supply.”

Internationally, Spezza represented Canada at 4 IIHF World Championships (2008, 2009, 2011, 2015), three World Junior Championships (2000, 2001, 2002) and the Spengler Cup in 2012.

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This report by The Canadian Press was first printed Could 28, 2022

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