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Keefe Helped Spezza Find Success: Spezza Found It Amazingly Well

The Toronto Maple Leafs are having a good season. One reason is that Jason Spezza is around. What makes this veteran so special?

The Toronto Maple Leafs fans are fortunate. Not only do they have a really good team to cheer for, but they have some great sportswriters who cover the team. Yesterday, The Athletic’s James Mirtle wrote a really nice story about the Spezza family. It was titled “Through the eyes of his father: The story behind Jason Spezza‟s dream run with the Maple Leafs.” (by James Mirtle, The Athletic, 24.05/21).

Mirtle’s article is a nice piece of journalism; and, if you can, I’d encourage you to read it.

Related: Maple Leafs’ 3 Stars: 1 Year Older, 1 Year Better & Much More Driven

Jason Spezza’s Past Two Games Suggest How Great a Player He Still Is

In this post I don’t want to summarize the article, but to build off it a bit. During the past two games, I want to focus on three Spezza plays.

Play One: Jason Spezza Robbed Point Blank by Carey Price (Game 3)

Play Two: Jason Spezza Robbed on a Breakaway by Carey Price (Game 4)

Play Three: Jason Spezza Scores (and Celebrates) on a Great Assist by Alex Galchenyuk

Thoughts About Jason Spezza’s Play 

Thought One: Keefe Has Used Spezza Well

When Jason Spezza came to the Maple Leafs roster just prior to the 2019-20 regular season, it was a move Spezza really wanted to make. The same can be said of Kyle Dubas, who had a vision of what Spezza could offer the Maple Leafs’ roster. Then head coach Mike Babcock – well – not so much.

But when Sheldon Keefe took over as the head coach, he’s made a number of wise decisions. One of the best was how to utilize Spezza.

The proof of that success is in the pudding. During his last season with Dallas, Spezza finished 433rd in point production for forwards in five-on-five minutes, with only 1.03 points per 60 minutes. In his two seasons with the Maple Leafs, Spezza has ranked 24th in the NHL with 2.50 points for 60 minutes.

Thought Two: Keefe Has Tailored Ice Time to Spezza’s Strengths

Keefe has kept Spezza’s ice time relatively how, but has put Spezza into situations where he can shine. That, in the end, contributes to the team’s success.

For example, in the three short videos above, how does Spezza get so open? Amazing, isn’t it that he gets lost in the play and pops up in a situation where he has a great chance on goal. I didn’t even include a video of the assist on Joe Thornton’s goal in Tuesday night’s game. That too was magical.

Thought Three: Keefe Has Counted on Spezza for More than Scoring

Keefe sees Spezza as an important contributor, and for more than simply scoring points. Spezza has played a variety of key roles on the roster. He can fill in at any position on any line and contribute. Center, winger, top line, fourth line, and on special teams. He’s a demon winning face-offs.

Jason Spezza Upper Deck Card Maple Leafs
Jason Spezza Upper Deck Card Maple Leafs photo via Upper Deck

Thought Four: Spezza Is Loved by his Teammates

Spezza has endeared himself to his teammates in the Maple Leafs dressing room. He takes time with his younger teammates, which was evident when he was seen in last season’s bubble working with Nick Robertson after practice.

As well, Auston Matthews note some things he appreciates about Spezza: “He‟s so calm, cool and collected out there. Nothing really rattles him. For a guy like that to just continue to make a difference every single night for this team. … He‟s been playing great for us.”

Thought Five: Spezza Is a Leader Who Takes Charge

In this point, I’ll let the short video do my talking for me.

Thought Six: Spezza Has a Great Work Ethic

In Mirtle’s article, Spezza’s father shares that his son has been tireless in his preparation for this season. That’s been his way. He watches video; he works out. He knows this could be his last season, and he wants to make it count. He doesn’t take his time with the Maple Leafs for granted or assume he’s owed anything because of his past success.

Related: How Soon Before Rasmus Sandin Is the Maple Leafs Best Defenseman?

Thought Seven: Spezza Has Made It Clear that Toronto Is His Last Stop

Spezza was the fourth-oldest skater playing in the NHL playoffs, behind only Zdeno Chara, Andy Greene, and Joe Thornton. His 38th birthday is only a few weeks away; however, here’s hoping he’ll be back next season – unless the Maple Leafs actually win the Stanley Cup. (Then he can retire with my blessing: I’m sure he was waiting for it.)

When he was put on waivers by the Maple Leafs at the start of the season, he made it clear to other teams that if he were claimed off waivers he’d retire. If he does retire, I hope he chooses to stay with the team and I hope the team chooses to keep him around in a head office capacity.

The team could do lots worse for an off-ice leader. By the way, did I say that Spezza was amazing?

6 Comments

6 Comments

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