Jason Spezza is helping to get Toronto Marlies players paid.

Spezza led an initiative where a group of Toronto Maple Leafs players pooled money to make a contribution to their American League counterparts.

“I have to give Spezz a lot of credit for this one,” said captain John Tavares, when asked about the contribution, according to Sportsnet’s Luke Fox. “He kind of brought it to the forefront from a leadership standpoint, and the executive group thought that was really important.

“I think we know – the company as a whole, but certainly in our game – how difficult it is for so many people. So within the organization we wanted to make sure that we were trying to take care of ours. “

Spezza, 37, is on the league’s minimum contract this season, but has totaled nearly $ 89 million in career earnings, according to CapFriendly.

The minimum wage for an American League player for the 2020-2021 campaign is $ 51,000, according to the league’s ABC. However, due to a shortened season and minimal income at the Gates, player salaries have been reduced by 52%.

Head coach Sheldon Keefe praised his club’s actions.

“First of all, it just talks about the character of our group, but I think it also speaks to the recognition that, through this pandemic, people from all walks of life are going through tough times, and business hockey too. at different levels, ”Keefe said.

“If you’re a guy who plays on a contract in AHL it’s a challenge going through that time,” Keefe continued. “I don’t know much about it, but I’m not surprised our players have the character they have and are stepping up.”