Jason Spezza wants to ‘pay it forward’ as veteran voice with Maple Leafs Globe_Sports
Jason Spezza remembers what it was like being a young star in the NHL – the demands, the pressure, the expectations.
Soaking up the knowledge offered him by the team’s veterans is what he credits with keeping him in the game long enough to see an 18th professional season. “At first it’s a difficult transition when you’re used to kind of being ‘The Guy’ and you’re judged by how you’re producing offensively,” he said. “It becomes a reality of how you’re going to contribute. Once you get comfortable with it, it becomes easier.”
“It gives me a chance to play on a team that has a real chance to win,” Spezza said. “It’s an exciting core.”Leafs head coach Mike Babcock has sent mixed signals about Spezza in recent days, but it’s believed along with providing depth up front and helping in the faceoff circle, he’ll be tasked with bolstering the team’s No. 2 power-play unit that struggled to create last season.
Butler pumped the brakes a little on the idea that Spezza would ever be a defence-first player, but said that doesn’t mean he can’t be valuable if used properly. “If he didn’t think he could do it, he wouldn’t do it,” Butler said. “There’s two motivations for him to play in Toronto. One is he’d love to finally win a Cup. And two, that he’s going to play in his hometown.Leafs centre John Tavares, who himself came home last summer in free agency, said Spezza’s impact will be important after veterans Patrick Marleau and Ron Hainsey moved on this summer.
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