The Toronto Maple Leafs have brought back some veteran depth while also filling one of their expansion issues. Jason Spezza has re-signed with the team for the league minimum of $750K. The one-year deal always seemed like a sure thing between the two sides, given Spezza’s desire to play in Toronto and his excellent performance this past season.
Not only does Spezza provide valuable scoring depth for the cap-strapped Maple Leafs, but the team also was facing a difficult expansion draft situation. Every team must expose at least two forwards that reach a games played requirement and are signed through next season. That was going to be tricky given so many expiring veteran contracts on the Maple Leafs roster, but Spezza will fill one of those slots. Of course, it could mean that the Kraken select him, but given the way his camp spread the idea of retirement the last time he was on waivers, Seattle would be taking a big risk.
Once thought to be on his way out of the league, Spezza has been rejuvenated in Toronto, scoring 55 points in 112 games. That production has come despite averaging fewer than 11 minutes per game, making the 38-year-old forward one of the best per-60 producers in the league. The fact that he added three goals and five points in the Maple Leafs’ series against the Montreal Canadiens only endeared him more to the hometown crowd.
The former All-Star needs just 30 points next season to reach 1,000 for his career and will also likely climb into the top-100 for games played. While there is obvious doubt that he can keep this up forever, a one-year contract for this price comes with absolutely no risk.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images
Jason buddy, you have to chase cups at this point of your career. This ain’t it.
dont tell Leafs fans that…
Ah if only players could predict which team would win the Cup each year it would be much easier for them to decide where to sign. The Leafs will have a 1/32 chance next year, just like every other team.
Let the man live his life he’s obviously enjoying himself
I really doubt that Detroit or Vancouver have those type of odds
1/32 Chance of winning the cup x 0% chance of getting out of the first round = 0%.
best deal on the team
Put a letter on his jersey. This guy is Mr. Toronto. Signs for a hometown discount and this guy knows how to step up. The city will remember what you have done and it will payoff down the road if he opens up his own business once he retires. Been drinking beer at Wendel Clark’s for years but won’t step foot in anything Wayne Gretzky’s. Marner and some degree Mathews take note on how it’s done. Go Leafs Go
Well said Freeze.