#5. Jason Spezza
We’ve talked a lot about Spezza returning to the Leafs, but why not bring him back next season?
There aren’t too many better options at $700K than Spezza and he’s already said he would love to be back. Spezza had nine goals and 25 points last year in 58 games played. He was on-pace to have his best statistical season since 2016-17 before the year stopped short.
Although he finished with zero points in five qualifying series games, the line of Jason Spezza-Pierre Engvall-Kyle Clifford was arguably the Leafs second best. Besides Auston Matthews-John Tavares-Mitch Marner, the Spezza-line brought a ton of energy.
Based on his salary and determination to win a Stanley Cup in his hometown, Spezza has to return. He’s going to provide more than enough offense and has the Hockey IQ to put himself in the right place at the right time.
He can also chip-in as a second-unit power-play guy and that can’t be said for too many players making $700K. A one-year contract at league minimum is exactly what the Leafs need right now, so bring the veteran back for one more run at a Cup.