Jason Spezza announced his retirement from the NHL on Sunday, ending a 19-season playing career.
“I love hockey,” Spezza said. “Since the age of three, I’ve been lucky enough to live out my dream and do what I love for so many years. 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.”
Selected with the No. 2 pick in the 2001 NHL Draft by the Senators, Spezza had 995 points (363 goals, 632 assists) in 1,248 regular-season games with the Maple Leafs, Stars and Senators. He had 76 points (28 goals, 48 assists) in 97 Stanley Cup Playoff games.
The former forward is second in Senators history in goals (251), assists (436) and points (687), behind Daniel Alfredsson (426 goals, 682 assists, 1,108 points) in each category.
Spezza will join the Maple Leafs as a special assistant to general manager Kyle Dubas, effective immediately.
“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,” Dubas said. “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.”
Spezza had 25 points (12 goals, 13 assists) in 71 regular-season games and one assist in five playoff games with the Maple Leafs this season.
“Looking forward, I’m very grateful to the Leafs for the amazing opportunity to transition into this new role,” Spezza said. “It enables me to continue to follow my passion, learn and live new experiences within the game I love.”
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