Michael Pezzetta is home.
On July 1, the Toronto-born left winger agreed to a two-year, $1.575-million deal to join the Maple Leafs after spending the entirety of his NHL career up to this point in Montreal. Appearing on Tuesday’s episode of the JD Bunkis Podcast, the 27-year-old spoke about how the deal came together and what it means to him to play in Toronto.
“My agent was just talking to Toronto, come free agency, and it just kind of happened fast,” said Pezzetta. “Once I found that out and I had the opportunity to go there, it was hard to pass up on that. It’s been my dream to put that sweater on my whole life.”
While some may have reservations about playing for their hometown team, especially when that team is Toronto, Pezzetta had no second thoughts. He believes his time in Montreal will help.
“Montreal is obviously a big market too – so coming here, you’re kind of used to that pressure,” said the forward. “At the end of the day, whether you’re a Maple Leaf or a Hab, it comes with a responsibility, and it comes with pressure, and I’m just excited for that.”
Dealing with pressure has helped teach Pezzetta how to balance his joy and intensity for the game.
“I wear my heart on my sleeve, and when I go out there, I want to win, and I’m competitive, and that’s just in my DNA,” said Pezzetta. “I worked hard for my spot, and I’m fighting to keep my spot, so my intensity comes from that and wanting to win. Through that intensity you get to win, you get to have fun with your friends and your teammates, and (you get to) enjoy big moments.”
Pezzetta’s intensity has led to him having a lengthy resume of fights under his belt, and while some may not like that aspect of the sport, the winger believes it’s just all a part of the game.
“I play the game hard and finish hits sometimes that result in someone fighting you. It’s guys policing each other,” stated Pezzetta. “If you see someone do that to your teammate, I’m just somebody that you get this burning feeling inside that you’re like, ‘I got to go do something about that’ – I’m definitely not scared of anybody.”
Pezzetta has 15 goals and 38 points in 200 career NHL games. He also has 710 hits.
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