Despite saying he was either staying with the Toronto Maple Leafs or stepping back. It was the club that decided to move on from him after he expressed his desire to return. When Kyle Dubas was announced as the new president of hockey operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins this month, it seemed like it was inevitable that Jason Spezza would follow him there. On Wednesday, the Penguins announced that Spezza is now an assistant general manager with the club. Spezza will report directly to Dubas, according to the team release. During his introductory news conference with Pittsburgh, Dubas indicated that he would assume the role of general manager until at least July 1. "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," said Dubas in a team release. "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." Dubas was dismissed as general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs on May 19. Spezza, who served as a special assistant to Dubas during the 2022-23 season, tendered his resignation in the aftermath of the non-renewal of the general manager. Spezza spent the last three years of his 19-year NHL career with the Maple Leafs and retired at the end of the 2021-22 season. Related Maple Leafs’ Matthew Knies Plans to Live With John Tavares Again Next Season [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/news/maple-leafs-matthew-knies-plans-to-live-with-john-tavares-again-next-season] Report: Maple Leafs Still Sorting Out Sheldon Keefe's Future [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/news/report-maple-leafs-still-sorting-out-sheldon-keefes-future] Maple Leafs and Michael Bunting Have Not Held Contract Talks Since Season Ended [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/news/maple-leafs-and-michael-bunting-have-not-held-contract-talks-since-season-ended]
