Penguins hire Spezza as assistant general manager

The Pittsburgh Penguins hired Jason Spezza as assistant general manager, the team announced Wednesday.

Spezza reunites with new Penguins president of hockey operations Kyle Dubas. Spezza stepped down from his role in the Toronto Maple Leafs' front office shortly after Dubas was fired in May.

"After a decorated playing career, Jason fully immersed himself on the management side of the game learning all facets of hockey operations this past season while with Toronto," Dubas said in a statement.

"He showed tremendous work ethic, curiosity, and ability to build relationships throughout all departments at the team facility. His move from the roster to the front office staff also helped make the hockey operations department, coaching staff, and playing roster a more cohesive and collaborative unit. We are thrilled to have Jason join the Pittsburgh Penguins today as he will add a great perspective to our club, and we are excited to watch him reach his potential in management."

Spezza retired from a 19-year playing career in 2022 and immediately became a special assistant to Dubas in Toronto. He will assist Penguins management in all hockey operations departments in his new role.

The Penguins haven't named a full-time general manager since they cleaned house after missing the playoffs. Dubas is serving in the role on an interim basis.

Pittsburgh has roughly $20.2 million in cap space this offseason and a roster size of 15, per CapFriendly. The club's most critical decision is what to do with goaltender Tristan Jarry, who is an unrestricted free agent July 1.

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