Maple Leafs' Newest Addition Gets Emotional After Finally Signing With Childhood Team
Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
Newly acquired forward Michael Pezzetta speaks on emotions after signing with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Michael Pezzetta spoke on being a member of his boyhood team after signing a one-year deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs, describing joining the team as a dream come true for the Toronto native.
Pezzetta, 27, signed with Toronto in the offseason after spending his four-year NHL career with the rival Montreal Canadiens, having been drafted by them in 2016.
The Emotional Message That Has Leafs Fans Talking
Having grown up a Leafs fan in Toronto, Pezzetta having his reunion back home is a special one, telling the NHLPA in an interview about his excitement at being a Maple Leaf and wearing the sweater he dreamed of as a young boy.
Pezzetta spoke on growing up a Leafs fan and processing getting to play for his childhood club and what it's meant for him and his family.
There are definitely times where you pinch yourself. I'm really excited and so are my family and friends. Everyone is so fired up.
Pezzetta also spoke on his boyhood idealization of Mats Sundin, and what it means going from being a Leafs fan to being a Leafs player.
Mats Sundin was always my favourite player growing up. I had his pictures in my room, jerseys, things like that.
I remember his 500th goal, coming across the blue line and blasting a slap shot home, far side, for the overtime winner, and a hat trick. It was a great memory. - Michael Pezzetta
I remember his 500th goal, coming across the blue line and blasting a slap shot home, far side, for the overtime winner, and a hat trick. It was a great memory. - Michael Pezzetta
Why This Signing Means More Than Just Hockey
For Michael Pezzetta, being a Toronto Maple Leaf means living out a dream on the big stage.
Part of Michael Pezzetta's memories came from being a child and going to Leafs games, now able to potentially make some memories for himself to the next generation of fans as a member of Toronto's roster.
Pezzetta has never been the flashiest player on offense, having been pointless in 25 games this past season for Montreal and with just 38 goals in 200 games played, but Pezzetta believes he can add some defensive intensity on the Leafs fourth line.
Obviously, it's always nice to score, get points and contribute in that way. For me, a good game is being heavy on the forecheck, solid defensively, creating chances in the offensive zone, and being responsible.
Making it clear he's not trying to be Auston Matthews or William Nylander, Pezzetta is focused on the defensive side of the game and impacting the Leafs bottom-six, showcasing his ability to provide energy in the Leafs lineup in lieu of goals.
Playing in front of his hometown team will dedicate Michael Pezzetta to play some of his best hockey and inspire young Leafs fans as he was inspired all those years ago imagining one day he'd be at this point suiting up to play for Toronto.
| POLL | ||
AOUT 7 | 1253 ANSWERS Maple Leafs' Newest Addition Gets Emotional After Finally Signing With Childhood Team Does the Toronto Maple Leafd having a hometown player like Michael Pezzetta benefit them? | ||
| Yes | 930 | 74.2 % |
| No | 323 | 25.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
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