Michael Pezzetta ‘super stoked’ to make season debut for hometown Leafs

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Michael Pezzetta is expected to inject some much-needed energy into the lineup when he makes his season debut against the Anaheim Ducks.

Pezzetta was called up from the AHL’s Toronto Marlies and joined the Maple Leafs for their morning skate, ahead of Thursday’s game.

“Super stoked. Being from Toronto, growing up, all these moments when I was young. It’s super exciting. I could barely sleep last night,” Pezzetta said glowingly, following Thursday’s skate.

The veteran forward recorded four goals and 10 points in 37 games with the Marlies this season. Pezzetta signed a two-year contract with the Maple Leafs on July 1, coming off a season where he did not record a point in 25 games with the Montreal Canadiens.

“He’s a guy who’s going to bring in lots of energy, good skater, strong skater. We’ll see how it goes,” Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube said of Pezzetta on Thursday.

Pezzetta was placed on the Maple Leafs’ fourth line during line rushes, joining Jacob Quillan and Calle Jarnkrok. As the Maple Leafs play out the remainder of the season with virtually non-existent playoff odds, the team is beginning to prioritize its youth movement, with several Marlies call-ups joining the roster. Bo Groulx, who made his season debut against the Canadiens, will centre the third line, with Matias Maccelli and Nick Robertson on his wings.

Although Pezzetta has played 200 NHL games, it’s clear that tonight’s game takes on extra importance for the Toronto native, who is expecting several friends and family in attendance.

“(Mats) Sundin was my favourite player growing up. I wore No. 13 all the time. That was cool,” Pezzetta said.

“I think it’s just pure excitement. Just being out there at morning skate, just so excited. I couldn’t sleep last night. It’s exciting, anytime you can be back on NHL ice, it’s exciting.”

Pezzetta could be a defensively responsible presence for a Maple Leafs team that has struggled to keep the puck out of their net for the duration of the year. Toronto is looking to snap an eight-game losing streak, and some new energy in the lineup certainly isn’t a bad idea.

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