John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
After a 19-year NHL career and nearly 1,250 games, Jason Spezza has announced his retirement from the NHL.
Drafted second overall in 2001 by the Ottawa Senators, Spezza was a dynamo in his early years. He made his NHL debut in 2002-03 before going full-time in 2003-04, where he had his first 50-point season.
After obliterating the AHL with 117 points and an MVP title during the 2004-05 NHL lockout, he returned to the NHL the following year and recorded a 90-point season, eclipsed just once in his career when he had 92 in 2007-08.
Spezza, 38, had four seasons of 80 points or more and 12 years with at least 50 points. Spezza also sepnt five seasons in Dallas before a three-year run with Toronto to close his career.
This past season, Spezza had 25 points in 71 regular season games and one assist in five playoff games.
Outside of the NHL, Spezza won one World Championship with Canada and two silvers, a Spengler Cup and three World Junior Championship medals. He was named best forward at the 2015 World Championship after leading Canada to gold.
Spezza will become a special assistant to Leafs GM Kyle Dubas as he elects to remain in the sport in his post-playing days.
