Pietroniro came to the Leafs organization via an unconventional route. Pietroniro played in the Quebec major junior league and then moved on to become captain of the USHL Chicago Steel, where the GM was Ryan Hardy, the current Marlies GM. After finishing his junior career, Pietroniero joined the Pelicans in Finland’s top pro league, followed by a season in the Italian pro league. Following two seasons in Europe, Hardy signed Pietroniero to an AHL contract for the 2021-22 season, where he spent the majority of the season with the Leafs’ ECHL affiliate in Newfoundland. In the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons, he became a regular on the Marlies blueline and was re-signed to another one year AHL deal for the 2024-25 season. He is a versatile defenseman who has shown strong development and brings a solid two-way presence to the ice.
Strengths
- Puck-Moving Ability
One of Pietroniro’s standout strengths is his ability to move the puck effectively. Whether it’s initiating a breakout or transitioning play through the neutral zone, he has shown poise with the puck.
- Physical Play and Defensive Reliability
Pietroniro is also a physical presence on the back end. He isn’t afraid to use his body to protect the net or engage in battles along the boards. He is more than willing to play a rugged game.
Weaknesses
- Offensive Consistency
While Pietroniro has shown flashes of offensive capability, his point production at the professional level has been modest. In 91 games with the Marlies over two seasons, he recorded only 9 total points.
- Discipline
Pietroniro’s aggressive style can sometimes lead to unnecessary penalties. His penalty minutes often reflect this, and cutting down on avoidable infractions could make him more reliable, especially in key defensive situations.
Conclusion
Pietroniro is a solid, physical defenseman with good puck-moving skills and leadership qualities. However, his offensive consistency and discipline are areas that could use further development. He is an important contributor for the Marlies which is likely his ceiling as a pro.