The Toronto Maple Leafs are set to begin one of their most highly-anticipated season in a long, long time. With players like Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, William Nylander, and Frederik Andersen hoping to enter their prime years, it looks like there's a lot of promise in the squad. Add in John Tavares entering his 2nd year with the team, and new addition Tyson Barrie on defence, there's a lot to be excited about in Toronto.
Another relatively under-the-radar acquisition over the summer was the addition of veteran centre Jason Spezza. The 1,000+ game depth piece used to torch the Leafs when he was with the Ottawa Senators, and after a 5-year stretch with the Dallas Stars, Spezza is ready to play in Ontario once again. This time it's for his hometown, and his former team's bitter rival, the Toronto Maple Leafs.
It was almost too perfect that the team's home opener came against the Sens. Unfortunately for fans, they won't have the opportunity to see Spezza play his old squad - Mike Babcock announced that Spezza would be a healthy scratch for the game.
The decision has been met with backlash, as fans wanted to see Spezza out there, and Spezza wanted to be out there. Babcock has never been one to concern himself with what others want, always trying to make the best decision for the team. In the minds of the fans, choosing a 4th line centre shouldn't have that much weight put into it, and that he should have just gone with Spezza.
After hearing the news, Spezza explained that it wasn't what he was hoping for.
Tough start for the veteran, but Babcock did explain that he could be out there Friday for the team's second game of the season.
(H/T Kristen Shilton)
