It was a logical move for the Toronto Maple Leafs to make, but it comes with a risk.
On Friday, they placed forward Michael Pezzetta on waivers.
The 28-year old could now be claimed by another NHL team, which would take him away from Toronto’s organization for good.
The Leafs aren’t doing this to get rid of Pezzetta, although it could come with that consequence.
They’re actually hoping Pezzetta clears waivers, which would allow him to report to the AHL Toronto Marlies for their postseason.
The Leafs didn’t make their playoffs, but the Marlies did, and they could use Pezzetta.
He had 10 points in 38 games this season for the Marlies, with four goals and six assists.
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Pezzetta played nine games down the stretch of the season with the Maple Leafs but didn’t score.
He entered the league as a sixth-round pick in 2016 by the Canadiens.
Pezzetta does have legitimate NHL experience, including 63 games with Montreal in 2022-23.
He’s not a high scorer from his forward spot, but rather a gritty player with a bit of skill.
Pezzetta signed with the Maple Leafs before this season on a two-year contract worth $1.625 million.
That’s not a high cost if another team decides it wants to claim Pezzetta.
But if no one does, Pezzetta will get to keep his hocky season going in the AHL playoffs.
