Michael Petsetta is now living his childhood dream.
Just hours after signing a two-year contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs worth $812,500 on average, the 27-year-old Ontario native found himself sitting in his childhood bedroom at his parents’ house, marveling at the moment. “How crazy is this?” he said.
Petsetta smiled as he recalled the posters of Matt Sundin, Curtis Joseph, and others on his walls. “I have that full picture of Matt Sundin and some photos of Kujo. I get the chance to fight for the opportunity to wear this jersey. It’s something I’ve dreamed about my whole life, and now it’s incredible.”
Drafted sixth by the Montreal Canadiens in 2016, Petsetta’s path to the NHL wasn’t effortless. Many players picked around his time remain in the AHL, but Petsetta has fought tirelessly to earn his NHL spot.
“I believe in trusting myself and putting in the work,” he explained. “I love the grind, especially during the summer and the season. That’s what motivates me every day.”
“It’s about waking up and wanting to push forward.”
After standout years with the Sudbury Wolves and Sarnia in the OHL, Petsetta began his pro career with the AHL’s Laval Rocket, also spending time with the ECHL’s Maine Mariners. Following three seasons in the AHL, he made his NHL debut with Montreal on November 2, 2021.
“It took me five or six years to get my first professional game with Montreal after being drafted,” Petsetta said. “But when I finally got there, I was ready because of all the hard work I’d put in.”
Petsetta prides himself on his tenacity and willingness to stand up for teammates while playing tough on both ends of the ice. His defensive game has improved over his NHL years, and that strength could cement his place in Toronto’s lineup.
Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving praised his new signing, saying, “He brings depth, physicality, good foot speed, and solid forechecking ability. Plus, he’s a great teammate. He checks all the boxes, and I’m happy to have him with us.”
In his three seasons with Montreal, Petsetta recorded 15 goals and 23 assists over 200 games. Although he went scoreless in 25 games last season, he attributed that to the style of play rather than his ability.
“I’m usually a steady player and have scored 10-15 points in about 50 games before, so I’m confident I can do that again,” he noted. “But a big part of my role is being defensively responsible and changing the momentum with a big hit or play, boosting the team’s energy.”
After signing with the Leafs, Petsetta shared how proud his family and friends are, especially his mother, who is thrilled he’s back home.
He remembers a special moment during the Canadiens-Maple Leafs rivalry—a primary assist against his hometown team in overtime on January 21, 2023, in front of family and friends.
Now, Petsetta is on the other side, wearing the jersey of his childhood hero, Matt Sundin, with his own name on the back.
“It’s hard not to root for the Leafs being from Toronto. I’m beyond excited,” he said. “It’s been an emotional whirlwind. Becoming a free agent for the first time and then signing here—unbelievable.”
(Foto credit: David Kirouac/Image Images)
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Fan Take: Michael Petsetta’s signing with the Maple Leafs is more than just a contract; it’s a heartfelt story of perseverance and hometown pride that resonates with fans. His gritty play and dedication could add valuable depth to Toronto’s roster, promising exciting moments for hockey supporters as the Leafs look to strengthen their lineup.
