Canadiens forward issues fight challenge to Toronto's Ryan Reaves during recent interview

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Mike Armenti
September 24, 2023 (11:33)

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For the Toronto Maple Leafs, the goal was clear this summer; add players who make the team harder to play against. Not only did the Leafs add a couple of skilled guys who bring some of that snot and sandpaper that new GM Brad Treliving was after in Tyler Bertuzzi and Max Domi, but the Buds were also able to add Ryan Reaves, one of the most feared enforcers in the entire league.

While most Atlantic Division rivals probably weren't too thrilled to hear that the Leafs added so much muscle this summer, one Montreal Canadiens forward is tickled pink by the idea of having the opportunity to avenge a loss to Reaves during a 2021 fight. That player is Michael Pezzetta. Reaves and Pezzetta's 2021 fight occurred when Reaves was still in New York. Pezzetta was a newcomer at the time and just wanted to make a name for himself. That was not going to happen at the expense of Reaves, as he found out the hard way.

Despite losing to Reaves once, Pezzetta did the unthinkable this week, issuing a challenge to Reaves this season, essentially demanding a rematch, now that he's a bit older and has more experience, having fought some very tough opponents over the last couple of seasons.

"When I heard Reaves was signing with Toronto, I was excited. I'm someone who likes to play hard, so when there are guys like him on the other side, it makes things more interesting. You never know. Maybe I'll get another chance to fight him, and this time it'll be better." - Michael Pezzetta, Journal de Montreal

Pezzetta also stated that he doesn't regret issuing the first challenge. Obviously, he doesn't. Otherwise, why would he issue a second one?

"I don't know about you, but I was at center ice at Madison Square Garden, I'd gotten my first point two games earlier and my first goal the game before that. So that fight with him, for me, was a lot of fun." - Michael Pezzetta, Journal de Montreal

For this rematch to occur, Pezzetta will have to remain in Montreal's lineup. If he is waived and sent to the AHL's Laval Rocket, this whole thing becomes moot. Still, Pezzetta likes his chances of cracking the Habs' lineup out of camp.

"I've improved my skating. My body is more explosive. Being quicker on my starts and more comfortable when I get the puck will enable me to be more effective in my role. When I touch the puck, I need to already know what I'm going to do with it, rather than thinking about it once it's on the blade of my stick." - Michael Pezzetta, Journal de Montreal

Reaves isn't exactly the best guy to be calling out like that, but hey - you have to admire his cojones. I'm sure Reavo will oblige him if/when the two get the chance.