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Drafting the Current Toronto Maple Leafs Roster In Their Prime

By Jeff Borsuk

TORONTO, ON - APRIL 13: Head coach Sheldon Keefe of the Toronto Maple Leafs watches the action late in the game against the Calgary Flames during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on April 13, 2021 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Flames defeated the Maple Leafs 3-2 in overtime. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - APRIL 13: Head coach Sheldon Keefe of the Toronto Maple Leafs watches the action late in the game against the Calgary Flames during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on April 13, 2021 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Flames defeated the Maple Leafs 3-2 in overtime. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /
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Toronto Maple Leafs
Toronto Maple Leafs – Jason Spezza (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /

Fifth Overall Pick – Jason Spezza

The fifth pick in the draft is the man who doesn’t age, Jason Spezza. He was originally drafted second overall, right behind Ilya Kovalchuk in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft.

To have reached the fifth spot in our draft and have a player of Spezza’s caliber speaks to the level of talent that Kyle Dubas has collected. It also means that Toronto is flush with leadership. Spezza is one of many active Maple Leafs to have been named a captain of an NHL club. In 2013, Spezza was named the eighth captain of the Ottawa Senators. His time in Canada’s capital was fruitful.

Spezza played for the Senators for 11 years. These were undoubtedly his best. In Ottawa, Spezza averaged exactly one point per game with 686 points in the same number of games. Over his entire career, including him currently playing 18th season, Spezza has recorded over 350 goals and over 600 assists. It’s impressive and potentially even Hall of Fame worthy.

Not only has Spezza had a spectacular NHL career but he’s even managed to play at a high level on the international stage. In fact, the most team success he has seen was while he wore the Team Canada logo on his chest. Spezza captured gold and two silver medals at the World Championships. He has left every World Junior Championships with a medal around his neck. He earned silver and two bronze medals at the tournaments. Spezza even captured a Spengler Cup gold medal.

Just like the previous draft picks, Spezza is still chasing hockey’s biggest prize, the Stanley Cup. He’s hoping, just like all Leafs’ fans, that this will be the year that he manages to etch his name on the mug.

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