Michael Pezzetta is thrilled to join the Toronto Maple Leafs, a team he has supported since childhood. Signed for two years at $812,500 per year, he acknowledges the competition for a roster spot but is determined to earn his place in training camp.

Pezzetta, 27, who was a sixth-round pick for the Montreal Canadiens in 2016, has experience primarily in the AHL and aims to bring a unique style of game characterized by physicality and a willingness to fight. Leafs GM Brad Treliving highlighted his skills and ability to forecheck, which fits the team's needs.

In addition to Pezzetta, the Leafs added Vinni Lettieri to their roster, further bolstering their depth. With players like Steven Lorentz signed and Ryan Reaves' uncertain future, Pezzetta has a chance to become a fan favorite by making impactful plays that energize the team.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have signed forward Vinni Lettieri to a one-year, $775,000 contract as they continue to bolster their roster. The 30-year-old has experience, having played 155 games in the NHL and recorded 32 points. He spent last season with the Boston Bruins and their AHL affiliate, showcasing his scoring ability with 50 points in 50 games.

In addition to Lettieri, the Leafs made significant changes this offseason, including trading star winger Mitch Marner to the Vegas Golden Knights after he declined an extension. This move underscores the team’s need for offensive depth following the departure of a player who contributed 102 points last season. The Leafs secured center Nicolas Roy in the trade to help maintain their competitive edge.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have reinforced their toughness by signing left winger Michael Pezzetta to a two-year contract, worth an average annual value of $787,500. The addition of Pezzetta, who stands at 6'1" and weighs 219 pounds, aligns with the team's strategy to enhance physicality, especially as a potential replacement for veteran Ryan Reaves. Despite a lack of scoring (no points in 25 games last season), Pezzetta's 24 penalty minutes demonstrate his willingness to play a gritty role.

At 27 years old, Pezzetta has accumulated 200 NHL games with the Montreal Canadiens, scoring 15 goals and 23 assists throughout his career. His physical play includes an incident in 2022 that led to a two-game suspension for an illegal check against T.J. Oshie. Notably, Pezzetta has faced challenges with injuries and healthy scratches, but his addition is a low-risk move for the Leafs to bolster their lineup.

The Boston Bruins are facing injury challenges, with defenseman Hampus Lindholm absent from practice and Charlie McAvoy undergoing surgery to address an infection, sidelining him week-to-week. Meanwhile, the Buffalo Sabres have seen some positive news as Mattias Samuelsson returned to practice, and Jordan Greenway is expected back after a prolonged absence due to a mid-body injury.

In other updates, Nashville's Jeremy Lauzon will be out for up to six months with a lower-body injury, while the New Jersey Devils reported Nico Hischier's complete participation in practice. The New York Rangers are also navigating injury concerns, recalling goaltender Dylan Garand as Igor Shesterkin skated alone. The Ottawa Senators had forwards Shane Pinto and Josh Norris miss practice.

The Montreal Canadiens are contemplating the future of forward Jake Evans, whose pending unrestricted free agency status at a $1.7 million cap hit makes him an attractive trade option. While his ideal role may be as a fourth-line center for a contender, Evans has proven his versatility by playing third-line minutes and being effective at both center and wing. Teams such as the Washington Capitals, Toronto Maple Leafs, New Jersey Devils, Calgary Flames, and Columbus Blue Jackets have shown interest, with the Capitals reportedly offering a second-round pick during the draft.

Despite the current injury to defenseman Kaiden Guhle, the Canadiens remain committed to their long-term strategy. They are not seeking short-term rental solutions but are focused on trades that would benefit the team beyond the current season. The Canadiens are weighing their options for other pending UFAs such as Joel Armia, Christian Dvorak, Michael Pezzetta, and David Savard as they look to build for the future.