Welcome to the latest of NHL Rumours! There have been more updates in the free agency of veteran forward Max Pacioretty. It appears that a potential suitor has been identified.
NHL Rumours
Rumour: Maple Leafs Interested In Forward
The Toronto Maple Leafs have had a very busy 2024 free agency. General Manager Brad Treliving is apparently looking to make one more move before the season starts.
Hearing same re Leafs/Pacioretty. This would be a SPC, not a PTO, if they agree to terms. https://t.co/CNJA8Y2KWR
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) August 29, 2024
Rumour: According to David Pagnotta and Nick Alberga, the Toronto Maple Leafs are apparently interested in signing Max Pacioretty to a standard player contract, if they can agree to terms.
This is the first of the three potential suitors that were reported recently to be identified.
Pacioretty, 35, has struggled to stay healthy over the past few years. He has seen only 52 games since the 2022-2023 season.
What He Can Bring To Toronto
Although the Maple Leafs spent most of this offseason fixing the defense and goaltending, bringing in Chris Tanev, Dakota Mermis, and Jani Hakanpää. The Leafs could still bring in a veteran left wing to add to the forward depth. The position has seen an influx of rookies over the past few seasons.
Although Pacioretty doesn’t have the same production as he did in Montreal, he does still provide a valuable presence in the locker room. He comes from his experience as the captain of the Montreal Canadiens and an assistant captain with the Vegas Golden Knights during their runs to the Western Conference Final.
There also is the fact that Toronto has brought in several players over 35 on close to league minimum deas; with the best examples being Jason Spezza and Mark Giordano, who both played well above the small cap hit they each carried. If Pacioretty can stay healthy, he could have a similar outcome in the market.
The Downsides
The problem with Pacioretty signing in Toronto is the most obvious one; his health.
As mentioned earlier, he has struggled to stay on the ice, especially within the last few seasons.
Considering the Leafs still struggle with cap issues and need to spend money wisely before any big shakeup within the core four, spending the money and a roster spot on Pacioretty considering his injury history is a big risk.
Benefits
One major benefit of signing Pacioretty to a veteran role is that he has played in a big market, arguable one of the hardest in the league to play in due to the pressure.
It’s an all too familiar story in Toronto, especially with social media as prevalent as it is. With as big of a market as it is, and considering that the Maple Leafs are trying to contend, bringing in someone who has experience being a leader in such a large market isn’t such a bad idea.
If Pacioretty can bring in better production to what he did in Washington last season, where he put up 23 points in 47 games, it’ll be somewhat successful.
MAIN PHOTO: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
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