Leafs’ Michael Pezzetta ejected from game after tussle with official
Toronto Maple Leafs forward Michael Pezzetta was assessed a game misconduct early in the second period of Monday’s contest against the Anaheim Ducks after getting into a shoving match with a linesman.
Playing in only his fifth game with the Leafs this season, Pezzetta was included in the starting lineup in Anaheim as part of Toronto’s response to Ducks captain Radko Gudas injuring Auston Matthews earlier in the month. But even after Gudas and Max Domi fought off the opening faceoff, the Leafs weren’t done antagonizing the veteran defenseman.
Pezzetta, 28, was originally assessed a two-minute minor penalty for roughing at the 2:49 mark of the middle frame after knocking Gudas into the end boards in Anaheim’s zone and giving him an additional few shots after he fell. But even after being taken away by linesman Ryan Gibbons, Pezzetta attempted to escape his restraints and pursue Gudas further, leading to him being ejected from the game.
Michael Pezzetta was just handed 2 minutes for roughing and a game misconduct for abuse of officials 😳
The animosity remained after Pezzetta exited the game. Later in the second period, Gudas and Leafs defenseman Jake McCabe were both assessed four minutes in roughing penalties against each other.
After 40 minutes, the Ducks led the Leafs by a 3-1 score off goals by Leo Carlsson, Cutter Gauthier, and John Carlson. However, in a negative turn, both Carlsson and Gauthier left the game with injuries before the final buzzer sounded.
The Leafs originally signed Pezzetta to a two-year contract as an unrestricted free agent in 2025. (Coincidentally, the Leafs fired Brad Treliving, who handed out that contract, just prior to opening puck drop against the Ducks on Monday). In 38 games with the AHL’s Toronto Marlies this season, Pezzetta has collected four goals and 10 points.
The Montreal Canadiens drafted Pezzetta in the sixth round (No. 160 overall) back in 2016. The 6’1″ winger made his NHL debut with the Canadiens in the 2021-22 season and ultimately appeared in parts of four seasons with the club before departing as a free agent.
In 205 career NHL games with Montreal and Toronto, Pezzetta has collected 15 goals, 38 points, and — after Monday’s events — 274 penalty minutes.