Spezza: 'I definitely intend to play next year'

Jason Spezza isn't ready to hang up his skates just yet.

“If there were any doubts about whether I wanted to keep playing or not, I’ve erased them," the 16-year NHL veteran said, according to The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun. "I still have the passion for it. I definitely intend to play next year.’’

Spezza's four-year, $30-million contract with the Dallas Stars is set to expire, and the 6-foot-3 center will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. Now he's looking to play for a team that values his abilities.

“After being scratched a few times down the stretch this year, I also want to be somewhere where they want me,” Spezza said. “That’s probably the most important criteria, that I have a role and am able to use my strengths.’’

The 35-year-old recorded 27 points in 76 games last season, and his eight goals in each of the two previous campaigns marked Spezza's lowest single-season totals since his rookie year (excluding an injury-shortened 2012-13 season).

He became a valuable contributor during the Stars' postseason run, however, notching five points in 11 contests while bringing plenty of playoff experience.

"I think I have something I can add to a team,” Spezza said. “I don’t see a reason to stop just because it’s been a difficult stretch for me. And I think by playing in the playoffs and kind of having an impact, it re-affirmed with me that I can still contribute. And physically, I feel good."

Spezza has tallied 915 points in 1,065 career games, and he needs 85 more to become the 89th player to join the 1,000-point club.