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Canadiens: Michael Pezzetta Looking To Remain In NHL

By Patrick Lortie

MONTREAL, QC - APRIL 24: Michael Pezzetta #55 of the Montreal Canadiens looks on without a helmet in honour of the Late Guy Lafleur during warmups prior to the game against the Boston Bruins at Centre Bell on April 24, 2022 in Montreal, Canada. The Boston Bruins defeated the Montreal Canadiens 5-3. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
MONTREAL, QC - APRIL 24: Michael Pezzetta #55 of the Montreal Canadiens looks on without a helmet in honour of the Late Guy Lafleur during warmups prior to the game against the Boston Bruins at Centre Bell on April 24, 2022 in Montreal, Canada. The Boston Bruins defeated the Montreal Canadiens 5-3. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images) /
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The Montreal Canadiens have a few restricted free agent cases to settle on top of trying to shed salary. Rem Pitlick, Alexander Romanov, Samuel Montembeault, Kale Clague, Nate Schnarr, Joel Teasdale, Josh Brook, Corey Schueneman, Cayden Primeau and Michael Pezzetta all need new contracts.

In the case of Pezzetta, contract negotiations won’t be too complicated. He doesn’t care about money, he doesn’t care about term. All he wants is a one way contract that guarantees him a full season in the NHL.

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – DECEMBER 14: Michael Pezzetta #55 of the Montreal Canadiens skates onto the ice for the first period of a game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG PAINTS Arena on December 14, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – DECEMBER 14: Michael Pezzetta #55 of the Montreal Canadiens skates onto the ice for the first period of a game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG PAINTS Arena on December 14, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) /

Paul Capizzano, Pezzetta’s agent, told TVA Sports that negotiations are underway and that Pezzetta wants to stay in Montreal.

"“Pezz” loves playing in Montreal and wants to stay here. He’s extremely grateful towards the new administration that have given him so much confidence and the feeling seems to be mutual. (…) Martin St. Louis’ arrival as coach gave him the opportunity to blossom as a player and show what he’s capable of. – Paul Capizzano via TVA Sports"

Pezzetta quickly became a fan favorite with his gritty, never quit attitude and curly flow. The Toronto native played 51 games in his rookie campaign scoring 5 goals and 6 assists totalling 11 points and a whopping 81 penalty minutes. The 24 year old had spent the past 3 seasons with the Laval Rocket.

On the cusp of a rebuild, having someone like Pezzetta is exactly what the Canadiens need in their lineup. Someone who isn’t afraid to throw his body around and will give his all whether the team leads by five or trails by five. Given that Pezzetta also has certain liabilities which limits him to fourth line duties at best, the current climate the Canadiens find themselves in represents next to zero risks.

Furthermore, spark plug players like Pezzetta are always popular with fans and helps put on a good show. It’s one thing to lose throughout a rebuild, but the narrative will be similar to last season where the team will likely lose but by giving it their all regardless.

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