Jason Spezza Announced His Retirement After 19 Seasons In The NHL:
Official Statement from Jason Spezza”
“I love hockey. Since the age of three, I’ve been lucky enough to live out my dream and do what I love for so many years,” said Spezza. “I eat, sleep, dream hockey and it’s always been there for me. There are too many people to thank individually but I’m forever grateful and indebted to the Ottawa Senators, Dallas Stars, Toronto Maple Leafs and Hockey Canada for their support and belief in me as a player and person. To my teammates, coaches, support staff, trainers and equipment staff – a heartful thank you for everything. Through countless hours at the rink – whether on the ice or with those behind the scenes – I have been so fortunate to have forged friendships for life.
Hockey has been my life’s work and to be able to come home to Toronto and bookend my playing career where it started was incredible. To the fans – in Ottawa, Dallas, Toronto and across the league – your impact on the game is immeasurable. I’ll never be able to replicate that feeling of stepping onto the ice to the roar of the crowd, but it is something I’ll always remember. Thank you.
Looking forward, I’m very grateful to the Leafs for the amazing opportunity to transition into this new role. It enables me to continue to follow my passion; learn and live new experiences within the game I love.
Lastly, none of this happens without the unwavering support of my parents, siblings, wife, and kids. You have always been my cornerstone.”
Story info from NHL.com/MapleLeafs
Featured Image fromMaple Leafs Jason Spezza Retiring After 19 Season In The NHL
Jason Spezza announced today his retirement from the NHL after 19 seasons. He will be joining the Maple Leafs' front office effective immediately. #LeafsForever
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) May 29, 2022
Jason Spezza has accepted a front office position with the the Toronto Maple Leafs and will be a special assistant to General Manager Kyle Dubas.
Dubas said “It is difficult to describe just how much of a lasting and positive impact that Jason Spezza made in his three seasons with the Maple Leafs. Jason’s passion for the game of hockey, his desire to continuously push himself and his teammates to improve, as well as his capacity to make strong connections with all members of the organization, have been invaluable. Though today marks the end of his tenure with us as a player, it is a pleasure to have him join our front office to impart all that he has to offer.”
Jason was drafted second overall in 2001 by the Ottawa Senators and made his NHL debut in 2002-03 playing in 33 games.
The 38-year-old forward who was born in Mississauga to Italian parents played 1,248 games with 363 goals plus 632 assists for 995 points in the regular season.
76 points including 28 goals and 48 assists in 97 career Stanley Cup Playoff games. He is a two-time NHL All-Star (2008, 2012)
Spezza had 4 seasons of 80 points or more and 12 years with at least 50 points. Spezza also spent 5 seasons in Dallas before a three-year run with The Buds to wrap up his career. Toronto to close his career.
Jason collected 25 points in 71 regular season games in 2021-2022 and one assist in 5 playoff games.
Spezza achieved accolade outside the NHL including one World Championship with Canada and two silvers, a Spengler Cup and three World Junior Championship medals. He was named best forward at the 2015 World Championship after leading Canada to gold.
