(Pittsburgh) The Pittsburgh Penguins have named Jason Spezza as assistant general manager.

Kyle Dubas, president of hockey operations for the Penguins, announced the news in a press release Wednesday morning.

Spezza will report directly to Dubas and provide support to team management in all areas of hockey operations.

“After a remarkable playing career, Jason has fully committed to the management side of the sport learning all facets of hockey operations last season with Toronto,” Dubas said in the Penguins’ official statement.

“He displayed an incredible work ethic, curiosity and ability to build relationships across all areas at the team complex. His transition from the roster to the executive office has helped increase the cohesion between the hockey operations sector, the coaching staff and the players. »

Spezza, who retired as a player in 2022 after a 19-year career, spent last season with Dubas with the Toronto Maple Leafs as special assistant to the general manager.

In his previous roles, Spezza worked in multiple areas of hockey operations, including player development, minor league team operations, and hockey research and development.

The 40-year-old Spezza played in the NHL between 2002 and 2022, mainly with the Ottawa Senators, until 2014. He also played for the Dallas Stars (2014-2019) and the Maple Leafs (2019). -2022).

In 1,248 regular season games, he scored 363 goals and added 632 assists for a total of 995 points. He also had 76 points in 97 playoff games.

In a Senators uniform, he appeared in a Stanley Cup final in 2007.