Adedokun Waliyu 
The Penguins have hired Jason Spezza as an assistant general manager, the hockey team announced Wednesday.
Spezza was special assistant to the general manager under Dubas this past season with the Toronto Maple Leafs after retiring as a player following the 2021-22 season with Toronto.
Spezza resigned in Toronto the same day the Leafs fired Dubas last month.
The Penguins say Spezza will report directly to Dubas and assist club management in all hockey operations departments.
The Penguins currently do not have a general manager, and Dubas is expected to operate as the GM on an interim basis.
“After a decorated playing career, Jason fully immersed himself on the management side of the game learning all facets of hockey operations this past season while with Toronto,” Dubas said in a statement.
“He showed tremendous work ethic, curiosity, and ability to build relationships throughout all departments at the team facility. His move from the roster to the front office staff also helped make the hockey operations department, coaching staff and playing roster a more cohesive and collaborative unit. We are thrilled to have Jason join the Pittsburgh Penguins today as he will add a great perspective to our Club, and we are excited to watch him reach his potential in management.”
Spezza had 63 goals, 632 assists and 995 points in 1,248 career NHL games.
The Maple Leafs replaced Dubas with Brad Treliving as general manager. The club also recently hired long-time Arizona Coyotes player and executive Shane Doan as a special advisor to the GM.
Doan is expected to fill a similar role to Spezza’s when he was in Toronto under Dubas.
