As we are deep into the NHL Playoffs, we already know that Ryan Getzlaf will not be returning next year, and the suspicions are strong that Joe Thornton and Zdeno Chara will also be hanging up the skates. We can officially add Jason Spezza to the list as the forward announced his retirement and will be moving into a front office role with the Maple Leafs as a Special Assistant to General Manager, Kyle Dubas.
Spezza was the second overall pick in the 2001 Draft, chosen by the Ottawa Senators and selected behind Ilya Kovalchuk. Braking out in 2005-06 with a 90 Point Season, Spezza followed that with 87 and 92 Point years respectively, and was a top player on a contending team, though Ottawa continuously struggled in the playoffs. An All-Star twice (2008 & 2012), Spezza requested a trade to a contender in 2014, and he was dealt to Dallas. He concluded his career by signing with Toronto in 2019 as a Free Agent, where he provided a veteran presence on a team chasing the Stanley Cup.
Spezza retires with 995 Points over a nineteen-year career. Eligible for the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2025, Spezza is not likely to gain entrance, but we will definitely place him on our annual list of those to consider for the Hall.
Internationally, Spezza won a Gold Medal (2015) and two Silver Medals (2008 & 2009) representing Canada.
We here at Notinhalloffame.com would like to wish Jason Spezza the best in his post-playing career.
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