Penguins name Jason Spezza assistant GM

Jason Spezza is following Kyle Dubas to Pittsburgh.

The Penguins named Spezza assistant general manager on Wednesday, the same role he had in Toronto under Dubas following his retirement in May 2022.

"After a decorated playing career, Jason fully immersed himself on the management side of the game learning all facets of hockey operations this past season while with Toronto," Dubas said in a statement. "He showed tremendous work ethic, curiosity, and ability to build relationships throughout all departments at the team facility. His move from the roster to the front office staff also helped make the hockey operations department, coaching staff and playing roster a more cohesive and collaborative unit."

Spezza, 40, retired after 19 seasons as a player last year.

Spezza was the No. 2 overall pick by Ottawa in the 2001 NHL Draft. He spent 11 seasons with the Senators (2002-14), five with the Dallas Stars (2014-19) and the last three with the Maple Leafs.

Spezza played in 1,248 regular-season games and scored 995 points (363 goals, 632 assists). In 97 playoff games, he added 76 points (28 goals, 48 assists).