Jason Spezza announces retirement after 19 seasons, joins Maple Leafs’ front office

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Jason Spezza announced Sunday his retirement after 19 NHL seasons.

Spezza will move into a front office position with the Maple Leafs as a special assistant to general manager Kyle Dubas.

The 38-year-old Spezza finished his career playing 1,248 games and registering 363 goals plus 632 assists for 995 points in the regular season.

“I love hockey. Since the age of three, I’ve been lucky enough to live out my dream and do what I love for so many years,” Spezza said in a media release. “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. To my teammates, coaches, support staff, trainers and equipment staff — a heartful thank you for everything. Through countless hours at the rink — whether on the ice or with those behind the scenes — I have been so fortunate to have forged friendships for life.

“Hockey has been my life’s work and to be able to come home to Toronto and bookend my playing career where it started was incredible. To the fans — in Ottawa, Dallas, Toronto and across the league — your impact on the game is immeasurable. I’ll never be able to replicate that feeling of stepping onto the ice to the roar of the crowd, but it is something I’ll always remember. Thank you.

Jason Spezza announced today his retirement from the NHL after 19 seasons. He will be joining the Maple Leafs' front office effective immediately. #LeafsForever

— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) May 29, 2022

“Looking forward, I’m very grateful to the Leafs for the amazing opportunity to transition into this new role. It enables me to continue to follow my passion; learn and live new experiences within the game I love.

“Lastly, none of this happens without the unwavering support of my parents, siblings, wife, and kids. You have always been my cornerstone.”

Spezza was drafted second overall by the Ottawa Senators in 2001 and played 11 seasons with the franchise. He helped Ottawa reach the Stanley Cup Final in 2007 with a league-leading 22 playoff points and served as captain during the 2013-14 campaign. Spezza was traded to the Dallas Stars in 2014 and then signed with his hometown Maple Leafs in 2019.

Representing Canada on the international stage, Spezza claimed one silver and two bronze medals at the world juniors plus one gold and two silvers at the men’s world championship. He also won the Spengler Cup for Canada in 2012.

“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 media release. “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.”