Maple Leafs Would Win Stanley Cup with a Bunch More Jason Spezza’s

I’m happy about today’s signing and I just can’t help myself. First, here’s the news, and then I’ll add the commentary.

The News

In the news, the Maple Leafs today signed Toronto-native Jason Spezza to his third consecutive one-year contract at the NHL league minimum of $750,000 (that’s up $50,000 from last season’s league minimum). During the 2020-21 season, Spezza had his best season with the team when he scored 10 goals and 20 assists (for 30 points) in 54 games. During the playoffs, he added three goals and two assists in seven games. 

Related: The Lightning Always Have a Salary Cap Advantage over the Maple Leafs

The Commentary

Here’s what I think about Jason Spezza. If you gave me 23 Jason Spezza clones, of all shapes and sizes, at every on-ice position, and paid each of them the NHL league minimum of $750,000, I would have a team that would win the Stanley Cup for a total of $17.25 million.

Spezza’s heart, his head, his personality, his drive, his determination, his leadership, and his ability and willingness to be a good teammate would carry the team all the way through the season. Obviously, he has skill as well. But he brings something extra special, and he’s proved it over and over in his two seasons with the Maple Leafs.

Today was a good signing – a no-brainer – for the Maple Leafs.

This Past Season, Spezza Endeared Himself to His Teammates

This season, Spezza clearly made an impression on his young Maple Leafs’ teammates. Earlier this season, when Spezza went off for a hat trick against the Vancouver Canucks (see the feature video), Auston Matthews noted: “He (Spezza) means a lot to this team, I think more than anybody knows. That was fun to watch. That was vintage Jason Spezza. He put on a show. He deserves it. He works so hard.”

Matthews added, “At this stage in his career, the dedication that he pours into his own game, into the team” (is amazing).

Matthews acknowledged that Spezza brings a veteran presence, leadership, and a role as a teacher to the team. You can only gain such respect if you’re a good guy and a class act. Spezza’s both.

Spezza Also Appreciates His Teammates

Spezza also feels bonded to his Toronto teammates. After his hat trick game, he noted: ‘I got a bit of a water shower walking in the room, the guys got me good.”

Spezza then talked about his bond with his teammates. He noted how much it mattered to come to the rink and be part of a team. He suggested that “I don’t think you ever replicate the bond you have with teammates. There’s ups and downs and trials and tribulations, but you always have each other’s back.”

Why Keep Playing if You’re Jason Spezza?

Spezza then added, “That’s pretty special stuff. You don’t get that unless you’re playing.”

That’s one reason Spezza signed on for one more season. The second is that, as he said, “I’m still chasing the Cup. That’s what keeps me driving.”

Good to have you back on the roster. It would be good to have a few more players just like you.

Related: Multiple Reports Suggest Zach Hyman Leaving Toronto Maple Leafs

Final Thought

The other day, hockey friend and Maple Leafs’ fan Stan Smith sent me a note about Spezza. He noted that Spezza, being willing to play for league minimum, really shows his dedication to the team. His $700,000 (last season) is subject to a 20% escrow that he will never get back, bringing his pay down to $560,000. Then he gets another 10% withheld which brings it down to $504,000. Then he gets taxed on that at the highest federal tax bracket of 33%. 

Smith noted that, “For us that is still a lot of money. For a person that is used to making millions a season, and might easily be making at least double that elsewhere. That is dedication to a team.”

Welcome back Jason Spezza.