Toronto Maple Leafs: Top 3 potential unsung postseason heroes

2. Jason Spezza

Jason Spezza has had a heck of a year. He went from being a healthy scratch in the home opener to being a key player for them on the fourth line. Spezza has reinvented himself as a player and found new ways to remain productive despite Father Time catching up to him. You’ve got to love a story like that.

Spezza was surprisingly productive this season for the Maple Leafs. Despite having the second-lowest offensive zone start percentage of any Leafs forward with at least 500 5v5 minutes, he had the fifth-most 5v5 points per hour. Spezza averaged more 5v5 points per hour than players like John Tavares, Zach Hyman, and Kasperi Kapanen. For a fourth-line forward, that’s pretty darn impressive.

Depth is important in the postseason. The Leafs rely on their offense attacking in waves with four lines capable of scoring goals. Spezza’s a key part of their bottom-six forward group, which has been huge for them at times this season.

With everyone healthy, Spezza’s probably on the fourth line. But as he’s proven this season, he’s got enough left in the tank to play up in the lineup if he needs to. On a team as young as the Leafs, Spezza’s vast experience should be key in the postseason. How great would it be to see Spezza finally lift the Stanley Cup and play a huge role in ending Toronto’s drought?