Leafs' Spezza 'disappointed' by being scratched for opener

Jason Spezza's debut with the Toronto Maple Leafs will have to wait at least one more game.

The 36-year-old forward is a healthy scratch for Wednesday's season opener at home against his former team, the Ottawa Senators.

"You definitely want to be part of these games," Spezza told the assembled media, including the Canadian Press. "They give you things to get excited about.

"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed, but I'm also a professional."

Offseason signing Nick Shore will center the fourth line as head coach Mike Babcock tries to find the right combination of players deeper in Toronto's lineup.

"I've talked to (Spezza) quite a bit about this and what we're doing and so we're on the same page moving ahead, and we're going to have a rotation with a few guys," Babcock said, according to TSN.

Babcock said Spezza will play in the team's next game and cited a need for more practice on the penalty kill as his reason for holding the veteran out Wednesday.

"He's the coach and he decides the lineup. I have to get to up to speed with what he wants," Spezza said, according to TSN's Kristen Shilton.

The Toronto native signed a one-year, $700,000 contract with the Leafs on July 1 after turning down more lucrative offers from other teams.