Jason Spezza
By Mark Vanderlugt
Age: 36
Role: Expectations are that he will play centre on the fourth line.
Last season: 27 points in 76 games. Scored at a lower 5v5 rate than Freddie Guathier, but was still effective on the power-play.
Growing up a Leaf fan, in Toronto, Jason Spezza took a discount to come home and play for his favourite childhood team, in July. Spezza signed a 1 year, 700k contract, with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Looking at these stats, it’s clear Spezza is a shell of what he was once able to do in his glory days with the Ottawa Senators. From averaging 60 to 90 points, Spezza has had to adjust the role he plays in his career, from dishing the puck, to dishing the body.
Expectations: Jason Spezza is looking to be the Toronto Maple Leafs fourth line center while providing veteran leadership.
Spezza will be coming into this season with a lot to prove and what I expect out of him and his production is somewhere along the lines of; 75~ games, with about 30 points and a positive possession rating.
What He Needs to Meet Expectations: The question is- can he meet his expectations? I say, why not? He’s playing in front of his family and friends now and has a chip on his shoulder. What he needs to do is to stay healthy and provide that veteran leadership, Toronto needs now.
Where he could be slotted in the lineup is anywhere in the bottom six, as he has experience not only on center, but on the wing as well. The versatility that Spezza brings, will be vital for a playoff push, if Toronto gets hit by the injury bug.
Now the issue with Spezza is- he hasn’t had a healthy season since 2014-15, when he was 31. With Toronto’s medical science and sports science teams, Spezza is in good hands, which this could ultimately be a match made in heaven for Spezza