Entertainment Sports Toronto Maple Leafs' Player Jason Spezza Announces Retirement at 38: 'Thank You' After 19 years in the league, the Toronto Maple Leafs star said he will be taking on a new role in the NHL "effective immediately" By Natasha Dye Natasha Dye Natasha Dye is a writer-reporter for PEOPLE covering sports. Her previous work appears in The New York Post and Popstar! Magazine. People Editorial Guidelines Published on May 30, 2022 02:37PM EDT Jason Spezza announces retirement after 19 seasons. Photo: Claus Andersen/Getty Toronto Maple Leafs forward Jason Spezza announced his retirement on Sunday after 19 seasons in the NHL. "Hockey has been my life's work and to be able to come home to Toronto and bookend my playing career where it started was incredible," Spezza, 38, said in a statement obtained by ESPN. After playing for three different teams in the NHL during his nearly two-decade career, Spezza acknowledged the fans for their contribution to his success. "To the fans — in Ottawa, Dallas, Toronto and across the league — your impact on the game is immeasurable. I'll never be able to replicate that feeling of stepping onto the ice to the roar of the crowd, but it is something I'll always remember. Thank you," Spezza said. The Maple Leafs' official Instagram account confirmed that Spezza will join the Toronto organization's front office "effective immediately." According to ESPN, he will be a special assistant to the team's general manager, Kyle Dubas. "It is difficult to describe just how much of a lasting and positive impact Jason Spezza made in his three seasons with the Maple Leafs," Dubas, 36, said. Australian Tennis Star Ashleigh Barty, World No. 1, Announces Retirement at 25: I'm So Ready' "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," Dubas added. Spezza will join the Maple Leafs front office. Claus Andersen/Getty Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Spezza's career in the NHL began when he was drafted by the Ottawa Senators with the No. 2 pick in 2001. He played in the NHL All-Star Game in 2008 and 2012, according to his NHL official bio. In 2005, Spezza won the American Hockey League's John P. Sollenberger Trophy for finishing the regular season as the top scorer.