2023-09-23 15:49:58
The Atlantic division will have a tougher face this season. No doubt tired of being shown the door quickly in the playoffs, the Maple Leafs added a little sandpaper to their roster by signing contracts with Max Domi and Ryan Reaves.
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Two acquisitions which will undoubtedly increase the intensity of the rivalry between the Canadian and the Maple Leafs by a few notches. Michael Pezzetta might have his work cut out for him when the two old rivals cross paths this season.
“When I found out that Reaves was signing in Toronto, I was excited,” said the robust Habs forward. I’m someone who likes to play hard, so when there are guys like him on the other side, it makes things more interesting. »
” We never know. Maybe I will have another opportunity to fight once morest him and, this time, it will be better,” he added.
At the first opportunity, Pezzetta had his apple tree shaken by the tough guy who was then wearing the New York Rangers uniform. A moment which, on the surface, had nothing to compare with an escapade on Asterix’s Pleasure Island.
“I don’t know regarding you, but I was at center ice at Madison Square Garden, got my first point two games earlier and my first goal the game before that. So, this fight once morest him, for me, was a lot of fun. »
“Zero talent”
Pezzetta is entering the first season of a two-season guaranteed pact that will earn him an average of $800,000. At this salary, he is still in a chair with precarious status. Aware of this reality, he says he added a few tools to his chest during the off-season.
“I improved my skating. My body is more explosive. Being able to be quicker on my starts and being more comfortable when I get the puck will allow me to be more effective in my role, he explained. When I touch the puck, I should already know what I’m going to do with it rather than thinking regarding it once it’s on the paddle of my stick. »
In short, the 25-year-old forward hopes to be more than just an energy player. A noble idea according to Martin St-Louis, but which should not cause the Ontarian to lose the identity that allowed him to reach the NHL.
“Anything that requires zero talent, Pezz brings it. The physical side, taking care of the team, indicated the Canadian coach. To move up even further, he would need to improve his offensive touches. But it must not do so to the detriment of what it brings us. »
“Maybe it’s something that happens over the years. It’s not something that happens within one or two months,” he added.
In other words, Pezzetta is better off being patient. Once once more this year, it would be surprising if he gets more than 10 minutes of playing time per game.
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