Under contract for next season at $812,500 AAV, Pezzetta will have to force his way on next year’s roster. We know Craig Berube loves the style of play Pezzetta brings to the table, but there’s no guarantee Berube will be back next season, so it’s going to be interesting to see how much Pezzetta can showcase during training camp come September.
How this season went
As mentioned, Pezzetta was recalled ahead of the Leafs’ March 12 matchup against the Ducks, and he certainly did his best to bring some emotion to a very dull dressing room. Toronto’s playoff chances were slipping away by the day, the dressing room needed an emotional lift, and Pezzetta was hopeful that it was the exact role he could play for the Leafs, but that wasn’t the case at all.
When it comes to sticking up for your teammates and dragging others into the fight, Pezzetta’s the guy. However, with limited attributes to bring to the table, and an ‘enforcer’ role that’s diminishing by the minute across the league, there’s no denying it was, and will continue to be a tough go for Pezzetta to receive regular NHL minutes.
Statistical profile
|
Category |
Production |
|
Expected goals for percentage |
45.79% |
|
0.00% |
|
|
38.30% |
|
|
1.64 |
|
|
1.94 |
All stats on 5-on-5 via Natural Stat Trick, Pezzetta played 57 minutes 5v5.
Let’s be honest here, advanced stats on a player who is a fourth-line grinder looking for a fight seems to be wasted effort, but the fact is if Pezzetta wants to make the team next season, he’ll need to do a better job defensively, and creating some form of offence.
Pezzetta needs to show up to training camp in the best shape of his life. To ensure he’s winning over the coaching staff, it will come down to bringing the energy, staying composed while not abusing any on-ice officials, and being defensively sound in all three zones. It also wouldn’t hurt if he matched his previous career high with seven goals, that kind of production could secure a future with the franchise.
Pezzetta’s entering the final season of his current NHL contract, and if he’s incapable of making an impact on the Leafs fourth line next season, his NHL career could certainly be in jeopardy, as he’ll be hard pressed to receive anything more than a two-way contract moving forward.
For now, check out Pezzetta during the Toronto Marlies’ Calder Cup Playoff run as he’s getting a much larger role higher up in their lineup, and has even hit the scoresheet early on in their first-round series.
Select highlights
Michael Pezzetta in his LEAFS DEBUT drops the gloves with Jeffrey Viel on the opening faceoff 🥊
His parents were in the building too 😭
PEZZ GETS THE FIRST OF THE PLAYOFFS! 🚨
Michael Pezzetta finds the back of the net to make it 1-0!
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