Update on Jason Spezza's future
19 seasons and 1248 games after his NHL debut, Jason Spezza is sitting on 995 career points in the NHL. Spezza is a truly respected veteran of the league, but he and the Lefs have a decision to make regarding his future. Spezza stated in his end of sesaon interview that he wouldn't play anywhere but Toronto. Kyle Dubas said that he would need to have a conversation with Spezza in the coming weeks about what the 38 year old wants to do.
Chris Johnston joined the Steve Dangle Podcast as a guest on Wednesday, and when asked about whether he thought Jason Spezza would be staying or going, Johnston replied, "Staying, but not as a player."
Spezza is a fantastic locker room presence and his experience in the NHL is invaluable. If he were to call it a career one the ice, having him as part of the Leafs coaching staff could be a huge help to the Leafs. Having Vintage be the Good Cop to Sheldon Keefe's Bad Cop could be an excellent combination.
In the end, I believe the decision will be left to Spezza as to whether he would like to be on the ice or off of it. The allure of that elusive 1000th point will definitely be on his mind, but at this point he has to know he won't be in the lineup every game. Whether Spezza decides to take one last run at winning the cup as a player or decides to transition into a new role in the organization, the Leafs will be lucky to have him. I for one hope that we haven't seen the last of Jason Spezza in the NHL.
You can hear Chris' full comments on Spezza below.
| POLL | ||
MAI 19 | 892 ANSWERS Update on Jason Spezza's future Should the Leafs offer Spezza a job in player development if he retires? | ||
| Absolutely | 676 | 75.8 % |
| No | 28 | 3.1 % |
| They should make him an assistant coach | 188 | 21.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
