3 Important Free Agents the Toronto Maple Leafs Need to Lock Up
By Joseph Zita
2. Jason Spezza – 37 years old – C
2019-20 stats – 58 GP – 9 G – 16 A – 25 PTS – CF% 50.25%
Career stats – 1123 GP – 341 G – 599 A – 940 PTS
At my number two spot I have the veteran Jason Spezza, and man what a season he had in a limited role. The Toronto Maple Leafs need to bring back Spezza at all costs, no excuses.
He signed a one year contract in the 2019 offseason worth $700K and it was worth every single penny. I think if the Toronto Maple Leafs can bring him back for a similar contract they should definitely do it.
Even if his next contract is around $800K-$850K its still a great deal, but I doubt he’ll ask for a little raise as he knows about the teams cap situation and he truly believes he could potentially win a cup in Toronto or at least go far in the playoffs.
What Jason Spezza brings to this team is what Patrick Marleau brought and more, besides the great relationship between Marner, Matthews, and Marleau.
Spezza brings that veteran experience to the team given he has played in the NHL for 17 seasons, he also brings a great offensive side to his game as he was a beast back in Ottawa but obviously slowed down due to age, but put up 25 points in 58 games this year in a limited role on the fourth line.
He also is very good in the face-off dot winning 54.02% of his face-offs. Long story short despite his age he brings a lot to this team whether people see it or not and if they can bring him back for a one or two year deal for less than $900K they should one hundred percent do it. (Stats from NHL.com).