Will Pezzetta find PK time in 2024-25?

The Montreal Canadiens have improved their drafting in recent years, which has paid dividends for the roster.

Now that sounds pretty obvious, but it has meant the Canadiens can address certain shortcomings through trades because of their depth. What has also been impressive is the Habs ability to draft players in the later rounds. Players that serve as great value based on where they were picked.

Michael Pezzetta, a sixth-round selection in the 2016 draft, has carved out a fourth-line role stemming from his blue-collar mentality. While he doesn't provide much offence, he is an energy player who gets the adrenaline pumping with his physical style. Much like Brendan Gallagher, if the team needs a spark Pezzetta is always willing to provide it.

But the question that will begin to arise this season is whether or not Pezzetta belongs in the lineup if all he does is throw hits and fight. Don't get me wrong; I love Pezzetta. He is a throwback player and the type that you want to pull for. But if he doesn't add something more to his game, there is a good chance his spot will slip away.

Penalty killing could be the solution

Pezzetta expressed his interest in contributing in a bigger way to the teams' success, by playing extra minutes on special teams. Rounding out his game and becoming a player who can be a thorn in the opposition power play's side is where he intends to be. If his minutes at five-on-five dwindle, a good bet on himself on the penalty kill could be the perfect marriage between himself and the team.

During the 2022-2023 season, Pezzetta posted the best plus/minus differential of his career with an even plus four. Considering that much of his career has seen him in the negatives, his work to improve his off-puck game has shown improvement. There is no guarantee that the coaching staff feels he is a better option than Nick Suzuki, Jake Evans, Christian Dvorak or Joel Armia.

But, if Pezzetta continues to grow his game defensively and keep the opposing offence in check, whether with the Laval Rocket or in Montreal, then he might get his chance.