The Toronto Maple Leafs have made a significant roster decision following the conclusion of their season. On Friday, the organization placed forward Michael Pezzetta on waivers. This move opens the door for Pezzetta to either be picked up by another NHL team or reassigned to the Leafs’ AHL affiliate, the Toronto Marlies, just in time for their playoff campaign.
Player Background and Recent Performance
Michael Pezzetta, 28, has been with the Maple Leafs organization after spending several seasons with the Montreal Canadiens. During the 2022-23 AAA season, he played primarily for the Marlies, where he recorded:
- 4 goals
- 6 assists
- 10 points in 38 games
Pezzetta was also called up to the Maple Leafs for nine games towards the end of the regular season, but unfortunately, he did not score during this stint.
Draft and Career Highlights
Originally drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in the sixth round of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, Pezzetta started his professional journey primarily with the AHL’s Laval Rocket. He made his NHL debut in the 2021-22 season, achieving:
- 5 goals
- 6 assists
- 11 points over 51 games
Over the following seasons, Pezzetta became a regular with the Canadiens, culminating in a career-high performance during the 2022-23 season. In that season, he notched:
- 7 goals
- 8 assists
- 15 points in 63 games
Junior Career Accomplishments
Before entering professional hockey, Pezzetta had a notable junior career in the OHL. During the 2015-16 season, he played for the Sudbury Wolves, achieving:
- 10 goals
- 18 assists
- 28 points in 64 games
His standout campaign came in the 2017-18 season when he split time between the Wolves and the Sarnia Sting, amassing:
- 23 goals
- 29 assists
- 52 points in 62 games
Pezzetta further contributed during the playoffs, recording a goal and an assist in 12 playoff games with the Sting.
Contract and Future Prospects
In the previous offseason, Pezzetta signed a two-year, $1.625 million contract with the Maple Leafs. His future now hangs in balance following his placement on waivers, as teams will weigh the opportunity to add him before the NHL playoffs.
