Jason Spezza hopes to remain a Leaf

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Jason Spezza was having a nice season with his new team prior to the NHL being suspended due to COVID-19. With uncertainty on whether or not the season will resume, it could be his last with the Leafs as he is set to be a free agent after signing a one-year, $700,000 contract with the team last summer. However, he has made it clear he wants to return to the team next season.

“My intention is to keep playing, and I wouldn't want to be anywhere else.” Spezza said.

Many thought this would be Spezza's last year in the NHL after he took a minimum salary deal to join his hometown team. The season started poorly for him, as Mike Babcock did not appear to be a fan and had made him a healthy scratch on more than one occasion. Since Sheldon Keefe has taken over however, Spezza's role has increased and as a result he has played much better hockey. In 58 games, he has posted nine goals and 25 points.

The 36-year-old said it is tough to stick around in the league as he ages, but has no problem putting in the work to do so.

“Hockey's not work to me. I enjoy the challenge,” he explained. “I'm in it for as long as I can be until I can win a Stanley Cup. That's something that I dreamt of as a kid and I would love nothing more than to do it here in Toronto. I feel like we're building things with this club and I want to be a part of it.”

Though Spezza does not have a Stanley Cup ring, he certainly brings a lot of wisdom to the young Leafs squad. If you take a look through Spezza's career stats, you'll be reminded of just how incredible of a player he once was. To this point, he has put up 341 goals and 940 points through 1123 games. Given how he has played as a Leaf this season, along with the fact he appears content taking league minimum salary, it seems likely he will be in Leafs threads again next season.

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