Maple Leafs Sign Hometown Forward to Replace Ryan Reaves in Free Agency

As NHL Free Agency begins its ascent into chaos, the Toronto Maple Leafs are trying to make some smaller moves before things start to pick up, and their DNA change seems to be in full swing.

According to NHL Insider Bob McKenzie, then confirmed by NHL Insider Pierre LeBrun, the Maple Leafs have signed depth forward Michael Pezzetta to a two-year deal..

The deal is for $775,000 in the first year, and $800,000 for the second year of his term.

There's a clear shift in philosophy for Brad Treliving's Maple Leafs, and while Pezzetta does have the potential to put in a couple of goals here and there, it's his physicality that brought him aboard.

In only four seasons thus far in the NHL, Pezzetta has 710 hits, for an average of 177.5 hits per season; he's going to bring a ton of physicality, a knack for dropping the gloves, and adding some nastiness to the bottom half of the lineup.

With Toronto acquiring Nicolas Roy in the Mitch Marner trade, that more than likely means Scott Laughton will end up anchoring the fourth line, and alongside Steven Lorentz and Pezzetta, brings a frightening mix of grit and physicality.

For his career, Pezzetta has skated in 200 games, registering 38 points (15G, 23A) with 241 PIM, 71 blocks, 710 hits and a minus-9 rating.

The former Montreal Canadiens forward switches sides to his most heated rivals, and there is expected to be a ton of fireworks once Pezzetta steps on the ice against his former club.

Maple Leafs fans will know Pezzetta's name from when he ended up hitting John Tavares down low during the preseason this past season, so let's hope there's only water under the bridge going forward.