Toronto Maple Leafs veteran Jason Spezza is calling it quits after 19 seasons in the NHL. However, Spezza isn't going far, as he's joining the Maples Leafs' front office as a special assistant to general manager Kyle Dubas.

Dubas put out this statement Sunday on this big Maple Leafs news:

“It is difficult to describe just how much of a lasting and positive impact that Jason Spezza made in his three seasons with the Maple Leafs,” said General Manager Kyle Dubas. “Jason's passion for the game of hockey, his desire to continuously push himself and his teammates to improve, as well as his capacity to make strong connections with all members of the organization, have been invaluable. Though today marks the end of his tenure with us as a player, it is a pleasure to have him join our front office to impart all that he has to offer.”

Spezza scored 12 goals and finished with 25 points in 71 games for Toronto this season. The Maple Leafs suffered another heartbreaker in the playoffs, losing to the Tampa Bay Lightning in seven games.

The 38-year-old came to Toronto from the Stars as a free agent in 2019 after spending five seasons in Dallas. Before that, Spezza made a name for himself with the Ottawa Senators. He was the second overall pick in the 2001 NHL Draft and made his NHL debut in the 2002-03 season. The center quickly became a force for the Senators, hitting the 90-point mark in two of his first five seasons.

Spezza ultimately spent 11 years in Ottawa, racking up 251 goals, 436 assists and 687 points in 686 games. The Senators reached the Stanley Cup Final in 2007 but lost to the Anaheim Ducks. He was traded to the Stars in 2014.

The Maple Leafs are happy to now transition Spezza into their front office as they try to get over the hump in the playoffs.