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Michael Pezzetta is looking forward to meeting Ryan Reaves, changing energy of games

Originally posted on TheLeafsnation | By Arun Srinivasan | Last updated Jul 2, 2025 4:00 PM ET

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Michael Pezzetta met with reporters Wednesday afternoon after signing a two-year contract worth $788,000 annually.

Pezzetta did not record a point in 25 games with the Montreal Canadiens, but is looking to build upon his stellar defensive play, with the ability to change the tenor of a game with his huge hits and forechecking ability.

“It’s something I’ve always taken pride in,” Pezzetta said of his strong defensive contributions, and how he’d describe his game. “Last year especially was kind of a weird year, being in and out of the lineup and nothing really going my way. In the years prior, I was a pretty steady player, kind of always getting my 10-15 points in the 50 or so games I played and I’m pretty confident I can continue to do that in terms of a points perspective.

“I think a lot of my game is being someone who is hard to play against, being someone that is defensively responsible, someone that a coach can trust. You’re going to go out there and change the shift of a game, with a big hit, or a good forecheck, make a good play and really change the energy, and the energy in the room and on the bench.”

Michael Pezzetta on his stellar defensive metrics last year, what he's looking to build upon with the Leafs and how he would describe his game: pic.twitter.com/BREGJHwOEa

— Arun Srinivasan (@Arunthings) July 2, 2025

The newest Leafs are certainly reverent towards the franchise’s history. Pezzetta stated this his favourite player growing up was Mats Sundin, as did Nicolas Roy during his media availability on Monday.

Pezzetta is perhaps best known within the Leafs market for a fight against Ryan Reaves in an April 2024 game, where Reaves won rather easily. The 27-year-old revealed he has fought Reaves a few times, and it’s true: Pezzetta also fought Reaves in October 2021, when the veteran was a member of the New York Rangers.

“With Reavo, fought him a couple of times now. There’s no hard feelings. It’s just two guys who have to do their job, and I think any time you meet guys off the ice like that, they tend to be some of the nicest guys you’ll meet. Looking forward to meeting him and all the rest of the guys.”

Pezzetta starred for the Mississauga Senators of the Greater Toronto Hockey League, before being selected 11th overall by the Sudbury Wolves in the 2014 OHL Priority Selection, then was taken in the sixth round of the 2018 NHL Draft by the Montreal Canadiens. It’s always special for Toronto-area players to suit up for the Maple Leafs and Pezzetta certainly seems to be embracing the opportunity.

This article first appeared on TheLeafsnation and was syndicated with permission.

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