Why Toronto-Born Michael Pezzetta Signed A Two-Year Contract With Maple Leafs: 'I Couldn't Pass Up On That'

Michael Pezzetta is living his childhood dream.

Several hours after signing a two-year contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs carrying a $812,500 annual average value, the 27-year-old Toronto, Ontario native sat in his childhood room at his parents' house thinking, "How crazy is this?"

"I got a big picture of Mats Sundin on my wall and a couple of pictures of CuJo (Curtis Joseph) and some other guys," Pezzetta smiled as his dream had come full circle. "I get to fight for the opportunity to put this sweater on, and it's just something that I've dreamed of my whole life, and I'm just, it feels amazing."

A sixth-round pick by the Montreal Canadiens in the 2016 NHL Draft, Pezzetta didn't have it easy. Usually, selections that late become career AHL players, but throughout the years, the forward fought tooth and nail—quite literally—to earn his spot on an NHL roster.

"I think it was just always believing in myself and just putting the work in. I mean, especially in the summers and during the seasons, I'm just in love with getting better and in love with that grind, and it's what drives me every day," Pezzetta said over Zoom on Wednesday afternoon.

"It's what I wake up and I love to do."

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After five seasons of OHL hockey with the Sudbury Wolves and Sarnia Sting, Pezzetta turned pro, playing his first year with the AHL's Laval Rocket, along with a cup of coffee down in the ECHL with the Maine Mariners.

Following two more seasons with the Rocket, Pezzetta finally got his first taste of NHL action, making his debut with the Canadiens on Nov. 2, 2021. Nearly a lifetime of hard work paid off with the forward playing on one of the most coveted franchises in the league.

"It took me, I think, five or six years to get my first exhibition game with Montreal and the organization from when I got drafted," Pezzetta said. "But when I did [get that game], I was ready for it because I put all those hours in."

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Pezzetta prides himself on being a hard-working forward, always ready to stand up for his teammates while playing strong at both ends of the rink. Over his time in the NHL, the…

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