Michael Pezzetta’s nightmare is coming to fruition as his future with the Montreal Canadiens darkens considerably.
The winger appears to be on the verge of seeing his NHL career come to an abrupt end.
Rumors persist: the Canadian would not re-sign Pezzetta, preferring to turn to Mathieu Olivier, the energetic winger of the Columbus Blue Jackets, whose impressive performances and robustness make him a prime candidate to strengthen the Montreal roster this summer.
Pezzetta hoped he could extend his time in Montreal by accepting a contract close to the minimum, playing the role of a useful but replaceable “plumber,” willing to sacrifice his body for his teammates.
However, Kent Hughes has clear expectations: he wants a solid player, capable of holding his own in battles without suffering crushing defeats, and above all, someone who can contribute offensively.
Pezzetta showed worrying signs of fragility when he threw down the gloves which undoubtedly weighed heavily in management’s evaluation.
The Canadian is seeking to redefine its identity with players with added value, and in this context, Pezzetta appears more and more like a burden rather than an asset.
His $812,500 contract until 2025, once a justifiable investment for his combativeness, is now seen as a burden for the organization in search of more complete and effective talent.
Pezzetta’s health also becomes a major concern. By increasing the number of confrontations on the ice, he exposed his body to serious risks of concussions, and those close to him encouraged him to reconsider his future.
The shadow of long-term consequences, such as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), looms over his career.
The plumber is therefore faced with a difficult choice: continue to risk his health to prolong a career in decline or consider a future outside of hockey.
Pezzetta didn’t make his situation any easier by making controversial comments about Quebec’s tax rate during an interview, which sparked backlash among supporters.
This apparent disconnect with the economic reality of his fans, who have difficulty seeing the usefulness of a non-productive player complaining about his tax situation, could well mark a point of no return.
Conversely, Olivier shines with Columbus, demonstrating unexpected offensive potential that places him among the Blue Jackets’ best scorers this season.
His versatility and physical play, inspired by the style of Tom Wilson, make him an increasingly sought-after player.
The Montreal Canadiens appear ready to move on to a new era, where effort and determination alone are no longer enough to guarantee a spot in the lineup.
It’s time for Pezzetta to reconsider his future, because his NHL dream is gradually fading. Absolutely no one is going to offer him a guaranteed NHL contract.
Pezzetta saw his reputation damaged after his crushing defeat against Ryan Reaves at the end of last season. This event marked a turning point, highlighting its limitations when it comes to coming to blows with superior opponents.
The repeated hits and risk of concussions add a layer of worry, and those close to him are already encouraging him to consider his future beyond the ice.
The after-effects of combat and exposure to serious injuries could seriously affect his quality of life in the years to come, a risk to which Pezzetta can no longer turn a blind eye.
Mathieu Olivier, currently on fire in Columbus, represents an ideal alternative.
Endowed with natural robustness and surprising offensive production at the start of the season, Olivier is a winger who, unlike Pezzetta, shows an ability to score goals and maintain an aggressive and productive pace of play.
With four goals in just 11 games, he proves he can be much more than just a physical player. His style is inspired by that of Tom Wilson, combining physical play and offensive contribution, which makes him a highly coveted profile.
Olivier’s attitude on the ice, his work ethic and his versatility make him an option of choice for a team like the Canadiens, looking for players capable of filling several roles.
Faced with this reality, Pezzetta must now accept that his days with the Canadiens and in the NHL are numbered.
The Canadian no longer needs a player who heats up the stands and who fights without really contributing on the scoresheet.
Olivier, by contrast, brings effective robustness and real offensive potential, which better corresponds to the needs of the team in its new direction.
The reality is harsh, but Pezzetta’s health and quality of life should come first. Hockey is one thing. Life is another.
