New Leafs Acquisition and Toronto Native Caught Up in the Hype of Signing with His Hometown Team
Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
A newly-signed Maple Leafs forward is still waking up pinching himself as the reality sets in that he has indeed signed a contract with his hometown team in Toronto.
For Michael Pezzetta, there were a number of potential suitors with money on the table for him when free agency opened up on July 1st. However, the Maple Leafs were able to offer Pezzetta something that no other team could -- the chance to play for his favourite team growing up, and in his hometown no less.
Pezzetta signed a 2-year contract with the Maple Leafs at the start of free agency, and from the very beginning, he was excited about the signing. However, according to the gritty forward himself during an interview with NHLPA.com, he is still receiving text messages from friends and family in Toronto about his new contract with the Leafs.
"One of my buddies just texted me and said, 'I still can't believe you're on the Leafs.' There are definitely times where you pinch yourself. I'm really excited and so are my family and friends. Everyone is so fired up."
"Pezzetta is not just excited about the deal, but extra fired up about earning a roster spot with the team. He does know, though, that there's a lot of hard work ahead with such a deep team in Toronto. He says he's up to the task.
"Now, it's about putting in the work and earning my spot. I am excited for that. It's easier to push harder on the bike and in the gym - that's my happy place, anyway - and it lights a fire under you. It's still surreal."
Pezzetta is going to be in direct competition with guys playing in the bottom six, like Bobby McMann, Scott Laughton, Calle Jarnkrok, Nick Robertson, and several others. It's not going to be easy, but the Toronto native appears to be embracing the challenge.
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