Toronto Maple Leafs: Top 5 Players Who May Retire If NHL Season Is Over

#5. Jason Spezza

The former 2nd overall pick in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft is currently in his first season with Toronto.

When the NHL returns, Spezza will most likely be 37 years old and will be without an NHL contract if this season gets cancelled.

Spezza hasn’t scored double-digit goals since the 2016-17 season and is definitely a shell of his old self. Don’t get me wrong, Spezza has been a steady 4th line center this season but the extended time off could really hurt his longevity.

#4. Justin Williams

Williams has accomplished everything that a player dreams of. He’s a three-time Stanley Cup champion and also a Conn Smythe winner. Not only that, but he’s been so clutch during his career that he was given the nickname “Mr. Game 7”.

At 38 years old, Williams had already taken a step away from hockey at the beginning of the 2019-20 season, speculating that he was going to retire. He ended up returning to Carolina, and had 11 points in 20 games before the season stopped, showing he still has it.

However, based on Williams’ decision to join the team midway through this season it felt as if this would be his last year, so if this current season doesn’t return, expect Williams to call it quits.

#3. Ryan Miller

For the last few seasons, Miller has transitioned from a number-one goaltender to back-up, but has been very serviceable.

In 23 games played this season, Miller has a .907 save percentage, and 3.10 goals against average. That’s not too bad for a soon-to-be 40 year old goaltender.

Miller has a very accomplished hockey career. Despite never winning a Stanley Cup, he’s won Hobey Baker Award, Vezina Trophy, and silver medal at the 2010 Winter Olympics.

It’s a lot harder for a goaltender to find work than a forward, so it wouldn’t be a surprise if Miller retires if the current season never returns.