Michael Pezzetta's First Move Proves the Maple Leafs Are Prioritizing Players Who Want to Be Here
Photo credit: X - Maple Leafs
Maple Leafs forward Michael Pezzetta made a pit stop at the team's development camp, showing the type of passion and dedication that Brad Treliving strives for.
When the Maple Leafs signed Michael Pezzetta it was a signing that kinda of went under the radar and while it kicked off Toronto's free agency, fans were wondering what Brad Treliving was doing.
It wasn't the splash they had expected, though over the last few weeks have warmed up to him and is quickly becoming a fan favorite. He's motivated to help them win, and he's yet another player who gets the chance to don the jersey of his childhood team.
Michael Pezzetta proving why Maple Leafs signed him
The type of player that screams Craig Berube and Brad Treliving, Pezzetta offers defense, physicality, and most of all: passion.
The Maple Leafs are holding their youth development camp and Pezzetta, along with Scott Laughton made appearances to held the youngsters learn from NHLer's, get a chance to get some autographs and create a lifelong memory.
But it shows something that Toronto needed: People who care.
Just by looking at the smile on Pezzetta's face, he clearly enjoys being a part of the Maple Leafs organization and wants to involve himself in all facets. He truly loves the game, and is no doubt going to be a great community leader.
A leader that the team is in desperate need of considering that Mitch Marner is gone. For all his on-ice criticisms, Marner did a lot for the Toronto community, especially with the youth, so it's touching to see Pezzetta step up.
Why Michael Pezzetta is what Toronto needs
Though he may not be an everyday player for Craig Berube, there's a good chance that he gets way more opportunities to play alongside Laughton and Steven Lorentz on the fourth line; he's essentially a better Ryan Reaves.
An unwavering engine, he loves to cause chaos but is quietly good in his own end, plus if Toronto is going up against people like Sam Bennett, Pezzetta is a perfect counterfoil.
Pezzetta got some flak during his time with the Canadiens due to his dirty hit on Toronto's John Tavares last year, however it is clear there's no animosity between the two.
In 23 games with Montreal last season, Pezzetta had zero points but had hit double digit points the three seasons previous.
For his career, he has 38 points in 200 games (15 goals, 23 assists) but adding 710 hits; he's a physical presence no doubt.
While he may do a lot of aggressive actions on the ice during the season, it seems Michael Pezzetta has quite the soft side, but it doesn't underscore the main reason Toronto brought him in:
He's got the passion.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 25 | 2157 ANSWERS Michael Pezzetta's First Move Proves the Maple Leafs Are Prioritizing Players Who Want to Be Here Will Michael Pezzetta become a fan favourite in Toronto? | ||
| Yes | 1709 | 79.2 % |
| No | 448 | 20.8 % |
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