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Hometown hero Michael Pezzetta fights one second into Maple Leafs debut
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Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Michael Coyle
Mar 12, 2026, 19:52 EDTUpdated: Mar 12, 2026, 19:51 EDT
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Michael Pezzetta didn’t take long to make his impact felt in the Toronto Maple Leafs’ lineup during his debut with the team on Thursday night. One second into his debut with his hometown team, Pezzetta squared off with Ducks forward Jeffrey Viel. The two paired off in a spirited affair, with both guys landing strong punches, before Pezzetta fired up the crowd on his way to the penalty box.
The 27-year-old had appeared in 200 career games with the Montreal Canadiens, totalling 15 goals and 23 assists, while also amassing 241 penalty minutes. Pezzetta has spent the duration of the 2025-26 season with the Toronto Marlies, after signing a two-year contract with the Maple Leafs in July. He has recorded four goals and 10 points in 37 games with the Marlies this season.
“A lot of my game is being someone who is hard to play against, being someone that is defensively responsible, someone that a coach can trust,” Pezzetta said on July 2, after signing with the Leafs. “You’re going to go out there and change the shift of a game with a big hit or a good forecheck.”
Speaking to the media following the team’s morning skate, Pezzetta was super excited to be making his season debut with the team he grew up cheering for. 
“Super stoked. Being from Toronto, growing up, all these moments when I was young. It’s super exciting. I could barely sleep last night,” Pezzetta said. 
Skating alongside rookie Jacob Quillan and NHL veteran Calle Järnkrok on the team’s fourth line, Pezzetta could help provide a spark to a team that has appeared lifeless for the majority of the games following the Olympic break. Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube touched on what he was hoping to see from Pezzetta when he entered into the lineup. 
“He’s a guy who’s going to bring lots of energy, good skater, strong skater. We’ll see how it goes,” Berube said. 

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