Spezza signs with the Leafs [1 year, $700k AAV]

[Kin]

Hate this signing. Not a big Spezza fan as we had him here in Belleville for a while and I wonder where his head will be at in Toronto. He clearly didn't want to be in Belleville and he put in ZERO effort when he was here. Great for Spezza but not so good if he isn't into it. Waste of money $$$

So this is a bad signing because Spezza, seventeen years ago, played in Belleville where he put in such little effort he only scored 60 points in 26 games?

 

[Bender]

Hate this signing. Not a big Spezza fan as we had him here in Belleville for a while and I wonder where his head will be at in Toronto. He clearly didn't want to be in Belleville and he put in ZERO effort when he was here. Great for Spezza but not so good if he isn't into it. Waste of money $$$

You're going to crap on a player for a short period of time like 20yrs ago? Really? Depth is depth. He can play 3C or 4C on a cheap 1yr deal. Who cares?

 

[Bill_Berg]

Hate this signing. Not a big Spezza fan as we had him here in Belleville for a while and I wonder where his head will be at in Toronto. He clearly didn't want to be in Belleville and he put in ZERO effort when he was here. Great for Spezza but not so good if he isn't into it. Waste of money $$$

You're referring to 18 years ago? I wouldn't worry too much about his perceived level of effort then as an indicator of how he'll play in Toronto now. Bigger concern is just how much does he have left in the tank, but at league min, no real risk here.

 

[Guilt Trip]

Hate this signing. Not a big Spezza fan as we had him here in Belleville for a while and I wonder where his head will be at in Toronto. He clearly didn't want to be in Belleville and he put in ZERO effort when he was here. Great for Spezza but not so good if he isn't into it. Waste of money $$$

In case you don't know, Spezza is from Mississauga and has been my sis-n-laws neighbour in Toronto for years. And if he's signing here as a UFA it probably means he wants to be here. Great move for cheap.

 

[CarltonTheBear]

With Brown gone there's an opening at 4RW and I don't think any of our right-handed depth options are ready for that role, so we could also see Spezza on the right wing with say Shore at C. Spezza could still take face-offs but then move to the wing where his lack of speed won't hurt the team as much.

 

[CarltonTheBear]

Lines when healthy, assuming no trades:

Hyman-Tavares-Marner
Johnsson-Matthews-Nylander
Mikheyev-Kadri-Kapanen
Moore-Shore-Spezza

With Hyman down everyone on the left moves up a spot and Petan/Agostino sub in.

If Spezza plays C then Moore could move over to the right side where he played parts of last season and Shore/Petan/Agostino play on the left.

 

[Guilt Trip]

With Brown gone there's an opening at 4RW and I don't think any of our right-handed depth options are ready for that role, so we could also see Spezza on the right wing with say Shore at C. Spezza could still take face-offs but then move to the wing where his lack of speed won't hurt the team as much.

Def gives us options. I believe Marchment or Engvall who both shoot left, will make the big club along with Moore. We also have Bracco ready albeit maybe not for the 4th line.

 

[CarltonTheBear]

Def gives us options. I believe Marchment or Engvall who both shoot left, will make the big club along with Moore. We also have Bracco ready albeit maybe not for the 4th line.

All 3 of those guys are better off with the Marlies than sitting in the press box.

 

[herman]

I think Moore gets a spin with Tavares or Matthews while Hyman is recovering.

 

[Guilt Trip]

Def gives us options. I believe Marchment or Engvall who both shoot left, will make the big club along with Moore. We also have Bracco ready albeit maybe not for the 4th line.

All 3 of those guys are better off with the Marlies than sitting in the press box.

I expect if one, all make the team they won't be in the press box.

I think Moore gets a spin with Tavares or Matthews while Hyman is recovering.

I think your right and along with Spezza will get some PK time.

 

[slapshot]

Posted on this forum last trade deadline that the Leafs should target Spezza as 4th line center, so I am glad they pulled the trigger in this. Economics were obviously more favourable now. For Spezza,  a Mississauga boy, late in his career without a cup, this makes perfect sense. For Leafs, a big upgrade over Gauthier, skilled with experience, even if he's slowed, no slower than the Goat. Plus righthanded shot to take faceoffs, has some size and more veteran leadership with Marleau and Hainsey gone. Sweet pick up by Dubas.

 

[CarltonTheBear]

https://twitter.com/MapleLeafs/status/1145727798809702400

Leafs make it official. I was curious if there were any performance bonuses here. League minimum salary. He could have gotten more than that elsewhere I'd imagine.

 

[Frank E]

I approve of this signing. No risk, little bit of upside.

 

[Bill_Berg]

I like this signing, but I'm weirded out by it a the same time.

 

[Bates]

Are there pajama pictures?

 

[LittleHockeyFan]

well wow, this'll be weird. I've been booing him for years......

 

[herman]

well wow, this'll be weird. I've been booing him for years......

This is going to be a weird bear to make. Unless you have a spare Antropov.

 

[Bates]

I hope we at least get stupid laugh interview Spezza.

 

[ZBBM]

I hope we at least get stupid laugh interview Spezza.

An aging goofball.  Aesthetically I'm offended, but, to quote an expert, I'm OK with this.

 

[Guilt Trip]

I hope we at least get stupid laugh interview Spezza.

An aging goofball.  Aesthetically I'm offended, but, to quote an expert, I'm OK with this.

Haha. Too funny. Not as good as. AHA... HA.... HA... HA ala Kawhi tho.