Maple Leafs' Jason Spezza retires, takes front-office role

Jason Spezza is hanging up his skates. John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

Maple Leafs forward Jason Spezza retires, takes front-office role

By Adam Stites | Last updated 5/29/22

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Jason Spezza announced Sunday that his playing career in the NHL is over and that he'll step into a front-office role with the team as special assistant to general manager Kyle Dubas.

Spezza, 38, played the first 11 years of his career with the Ottawa Senators and then five seasons with the Dallas Stars. He joined Toronto in 2019, where he spent the remainder of his career.

Jason Spezza produced some amazing highlights in his career, including this incredible overtime winner in 2005.

What is your favorite Jason Spezza moment? pic.twitter.com/d3f5vf4W4i
— NHL (@NHL) May 29, 2022

"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 in a statement. "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 scored 363 career goals with 632 assists, leaving him just five short of a 1,000-point career. His 687 points with the Senators are second-most in franchise history. His 71 assists during the 2005-06 season still stand as a single-season record for Ottawa.

In his final NHL season, Spezza recorded 12 goals and 13 assists for the Maple Leafs.

More must-reads: