Toronto Maple Leafs Sign Depth Forward

Michael Pezzetta has Signed for the Toronto Maple Leafs

Pezzetta has played only for the Montreal Canadiens over his four-year NHL career. The Toronto native did not record a single point in 25 games last season with the rival Canadiens. He an averaged an ice time of around six minutes when he did crack the Montreal lineup. The 27-year-old had a Corsi for of 53.2 and a relative Corsi of 7.8.

He has netted 15 goals and 23 assists for 38 points in 200 career NHL games. Montreal originally drafted him in the sixth round, 160th overall of the 2016 NHL Draft.

The depth forward had a career-best seven goals and eight assists for 15 points in 63 games in the 2021-22 season. He played for the Sudbury Wolves and the Sarnia Sting of the Ontario Hockey League in his major junior career.

What It Means

It’s always nice to come home and Pezzetta gets to do that with this deal. This isn’t a flashy signing, but it’s decent enough for depth. Toronto now has 23 players on the pro roster and around $5 million in salary cap space.

Pezzetta can likely be used as an extra forward and slot into the lineup if there are injury issues. He’s a big body at 6-feet, 1-inch tall and 219 pounds. The veteran forward is willing to do the little things for his team.

Toronto may not be done making moves and does want to try and bolster the top-half of its lineup. However, this is a signing that will help help fill the depth chart.