Michael Pezzetta is on waivers as Jim Hiller and the Maple Leafs begin making the roster calls that will shape Toronto's opening-night group.
The move puts a familiar Canadiens name back into the NHL waiver pool as teams start trimming crowded training-camp rosters.
Pezzetta spent most of his NHL career in Montreal after the Canadiens selected him in the sixth round of the 2016 draft.
He appeared in 209 NHL games, with 200 of them coming in a Canadiens uniform between 2020-21 and 2024-25.
Toronto signed the 28-year-old forward to a two-year contract in July 2025, giving him another opportunity to earn a bottom-six role close to home.
Now he's exposed to the rest of the league, and any team looking for energy and organizational depth can put in a claim without sending an asset back.
Tyler Pitlick joins Pezzetta on the waiver wire
Pezzetta isn't the only former Canadiens forward facing an uncertain roster situation. Tyler Pitlick was also placed on waivers by the Minnesota Wild.
Pitlick's Montreal stay was much shorter. He dressed for 14 games with the Canadiens during the 2021-22 season before moving on.
At 34, Pitlick brings a different profile than Pezzetta. His case is built around NHL experience and the ability to fill a depth role when injuries or lineup changes hit.
Minnesota head coach John Hynes now has another roster decision taking shape as the Wild work toward their final group.
For Montreal fans, Pezzetta will draw more attention. His physical style and willingness to bring energy from the fourth line made him a recognizable figure during his run with the Canadiens.
The next step is simple for both forwards: wait out the waiver process and see whether another club opens the door.
And with final cuts arriving across the league, Pezzetta and Pitlick may not be waiting alone for long.
Should an NHL team claim Michael Pezzetta off waivers?
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