TORONTO — Veteran Maple Leafs Forward Jason Spezza Sunday was his last day in the NHL after a career spanning 19 seasons.
The 38-year-old will be moving into the Maple Leafs’ front offices as a special assistant for general manager Kyle Dubas.
Second overall Ottawa Spezza played his 11 first seasons with the Senators in 2001 before joining the Senators. Dallas Stars In 2014, and Toronto in 2019
Spezza ended with 995 points (363 goals, 632 assists), in 1,248 regular season NHL games. There were another 76 points (28 goal and 48 assists), in 97 playoff games.
Two-time NHL All-Star (2008) and 2012 ranks among the top 100 NHL career players for games played, assists (80th), and points (94th).
In 71 games, he scored 12 goals and 13 assist. A fifth playoff game saw him add another assist.
Spezza released a statement saying that hockey was his life’s work. Spezza also said that it was an incredible feeling to be able “to come home to Toronto to bookend my playing career right where it began” Your impact on hockey is immense, to all the fans, in Ottawa, Dallas and Toronto as well as across the league. Although I will never be able replicate the feeling of being on the ice to the cheers of the crowd, it is something that I will always cherish. “Thank you.”
In Ottawa’s history, Spezza is the eighth captain. He ranks sixth in games played (686), second in assists (436), goals (251), and points (687) during his 11 seasons with Senators.
Spezza brought veteran knowledge to the Leafs while he was in Toronto. He often played a larger role off the ice than he did on the ice.
Dubas stated, “It is hard to quantify just how much of an impact Jason Spezza made during his three seasons with Maple Leafs.” “Jason’s passion and drive to play hockey, along with his willingness to push himself and his teammates to improve have been invaluable. He also has strong connections with every member of the organization.
“Though this marks the end of his tenure as a player with us, it is a pleasure for him to join our front desk to share all that he can offer.”
Spezza represented Canada at four international championships in 2008, 2009 and 2011, 2015, three world junior championships in 2000, 2001, 2002, and the Spengler cup in 2012.