Michael Pezzetta Faces Harsh Reality With Maple Leafs Ahead of Season
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Michael Pezzetta was thrilled to sign with Toronto in free agency, and he's been working hard to earn his place, however one harsh reality is beginning to sink in.
The first free agent signing for the Toronto Maple Leafs this offseason was former Montreal Canadiens fourth-liner and depth power forward Michael Pezzetta.
Nothing was really blowing up on social media about it, and it was clear his signing was to bring added depth, defense and most important; that punishing physical game.
He's been undeniably charming and clearly excited to be here, claiming that there was seemingly nothing more cherished than putting on the blue and white, but a question remains: where does he fit in this year's lineup?
Why Michael Pezzetta's Hometown Dream With the Leafs Could Be Cut Short
The answer is: we really don't know. Clearly there's a reason that Treliving decided to pounce and sign Pezzetta, and the team has focused quite a bit on him in social media so there has to be a plan.
But the current roster doesn't facilitate that well at all, and with Nick Robertson, David Kampf, and Calle Jarnkrok still kicking around; his chances are even slimmer.
One positive is that the team is working towards a deal for one or potentially a combination of those players which would open up a lineup spot for Pezzetta much easier down the line.
With Easton Cowan penciled in as the fourth-line winger for Scott Laughton, the Maple Leafs really need to give him an honest look, and if he can bring what he did in the preseason so far and evolve it, he may just stick around.
The Roster Logjam Blocking Pezzetta's Path to a Spot in Toronto
But you also have a slew of other names in the Marlies system who are either on the cusp of making it, or are already NHL-caliber talents who are great depth options (see Alex Nylander for instance).
You also have players like Jacob Quillan, Luke Haymes, Nylander, and Vinni Lettieri who are all able to slide into the lineup as well, although Pezzetta's grit and style of play could lend well to him earning the call-up first.
Last season, Pezzetta skated in 25 games but registered zero points, but did add 73 hits. For his career however he does have some offensive chops with 38 points in 200 games but brings the pain with 710 hits in that span (3.55 hits per game).
Unfortunately for him, he might not get a chance to showcase that bruising ability just yet, however if he keeps playing with that heart and passion we know he has, it won't be long before he's on the main squad.
| POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 2 | 1563 ANSWERS Michael Pezzetta Faces Harsh Reality With Maple Leafs Ahead of Season Do you think Michael Pezzetta will play more than 50 games for the Maple Leafs? | ||
| Yes | 329 | 21 % |
| No | 1234 | 79 % |
| List of polls | ||
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