Jason Spezza made his NHL debut in the 2002-03 season and, 15 years later, he’s still as determined as ever to play at the highest level. After spending 12 years with the Ottawa Senators, the Mississauga-born center went to the Dallas Stars in a trade for Alex Chiasson, Alex Guptill, Nick Paul, and a second-round 2015 draft pick. Following a fruitful five years at the American Airlines Center, Spezza signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs as a free agent in 2019, and he continues to re-sign at the NHL minimum to play for 13-time Stanley Cup winners.
Jason Spezza #19 of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Matt Niskanen #15 of the Philadelphia Flyers crash the boards.
Spezza, a boyhood Maple Leafs supporter, is playing out his top-flight career at his favored club, and few can argue that he doesn’t deserve a trophy-winning end to his playing days. The 38-year-old has himself admitted that winning the Stanley Cup is at the forefront of his mind and one of the main reasons why he continues to compete. So, let’s look at what the following year could have in store for Spezza.
Re-Signing at the League Minimum
At 38 years of age, Spezza is now in the latter stages of his career. As such, time is precious, and making the right decision is of utmost importance in maximizing his playing time and chances of winning sought-after honors. In each of the past three seasons, the former Ottawa Senators star has re-signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs for the NHL minimum of $750,000. However, it speaks volumes about the 38-year-old’s love of ice hockey and the Bay Street Bullies that he admitted that he would have taken less money to continue playing at the Scotiabank Arena. Crucially, this attitude resonates with supporters and staff, meaning that the Maple Leafs faithful will be delighted to have Spezza in their roster.
While Spezza unquestionably has the attitude and commitment to continue playing, the 38-year-old needs to turn that passion into on-rink performances. Thus far, it’s fair to say that the Canadian hasn’t let the Bay Street Bullies down upon being handed opportunities. According to the official NHL website, Spezza registered nine goals and 16 assists in 58 games in the 2019-20 campaign. Compared with his final two seasons with the Dallas Stars, this marks a goal-return increase of one in 18 and 20 fewer games, respectively. At one stage, the center was a clutch player for the Stars, scoring the game-winner in a 4-2 victory against the Detroit Red Wings in January 2018, as we wrote at prohockeynews.com.
Spezza improved on his maiden-season figures with the Maple Leafs in 2020-21, scoring 10 goals and recording 20 assists. Although not the highest assist tally of the 38-year-old’s regular-season career, this figure was the best return of Spezza’s career since 2016-17. This is a testament to the World Championship gold medalist’s application and determination to make a difference at the Scotiabank Arena.
Jason Spezza #19 of the Toronto Maple Leafs
His Objectives are Clear
At this stage of his career, wealth or the glamour of playing in the NHL doesn’t motivate Spezza. While those are benefits of being a top-level player, the 38-year-old hasn’t shied away from stating his desire to win the Stanley Cup. According to Sportsnet, Spezza declares that the Cup is at the “forefront” of his mind every day. Like many competitors, the Canadian has come agonizingly close to lifting the trophy, but he fell short at the final hurdle in 2007. After the Ottawa Senators defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins, New Jersey Devils, and Buffalo Sabres, the Sens set up a Stanley Cup final contest with the Western Conference champions, the Anaheim Ducks. Despite scoring seven goals and setting up a further 15 in the 2006-07 playoffs, Spezza and the Senators suffered a 4-1 defeat against Randy Carlyle’s side.
Upon coming close to reaching the pinnacle once before, the pursuit of the Stanley Cup fuels Spezza. The Maple Leafs didn’t qualify for the season finale in 2020-21, losing 4-3 to the Montreal Canadiens in their first playoff match. Despite numerous setbacks, Spezza hasn’t lost hope of lifting the trophy, and that speaks volumes about his mentality and the event’s popularity. For players and fans across the world alike, the Stanley Cup is an unmissable event. This is evident from its inclusion in EA Sports’ NHL video game franchise and as a go-to betting market at India’s best sports betting platforms from asiabet.org. Many of the bonus-offering operators listed at the review site offer mobile-focused betting opportunities across various sports, including ice hockey. With sign-up bonuses, bettors can peruse numerous NHL-related markets, such as outrights concerning the Stanley Cup winner. If the Maple Leafs and Spezza continue to grow together, there’s no reason that they won’t be in the hunt in 2021-22.
There’s More to Come from Spezza
While Spezza is in the latter years of his career, and he’s competing against hungry up-and-coming players, there’s nothing to stop him from helping the Bay Street Bullies to their 14th Stanley Cup triumph in 2021-22. Statistically, the 38-year-old is getting better at the Scotiabank Arena with every passing season. So, if he can sustain that trend, he’ll be a handy option for Sheldon Keefe throughout the next campaign.
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