Former Habs captain Max Pacioretty is an unrestricted free agent and apparently the Toronto Maple Leafs are in the mix to sign the 35-year-old this offseason. Nick Alberga reported that sources close to the club claimed they were seriously considering the veteran as reinforcement down the left wing.
However, the plausibility of such a move, given the forward’s ice time from last season, had been thoroughly questioned.
Earlier last week, NHL Insider Luke Fox pointed out three potential easy signings that the Leafs could be targeting to stack up their left flank. Fox suggested that the team should explore affordable options in the free-agent market, with Pacioretty being one of the top candidates.
Despite concerns about his age and injury history, Fox believes Pacioretty could be a valuable addition, especially if he signs a contract similar to the bonus-laden deal he had with the Washington Capitals. The team lost Tyler Bertuzzi to Chicago who had the most minutes in the position last season, and have since been in search for a proper left winger in free agency.
“Hearing same re Leafs/Pacioretty. This would be a SPC, not a PTO, if they agree to terms,” Pagnotta reported on Friday.
According to Insider David Pagnotta, if the Leafs and Pacioretty do reach an agreement, it will likely be for a Standard Player Contract (SPC). This means that Pacioretty wouldn’t just be trying out for the team but would be signed directly with a guaranteed contract.
Leafs also have internal options
With new head coach Craig Berube, there could be a certain amount of competition and lineup changes, especially if the Leafs bring in a veteran winger on a short-term deal. Internal options like Matthew Knies, Bobby McMann, and Nick Robertson can also offer potential solutions.
If the deal goes through, the Leafs’ fourth line could potentially include Max Pacioretty, along with players like Connor Dewar and Ryan Reaves, or possibly Pontus Holmberg. While this lineup might seem as unusual as seeing Doug Gilmour in a Canadiens jersey, it raises concerns due to Pacioretty’s recent history of severe leg injuries, which limited him to just four goals last year.
Some fans believe the team should focus on younger talent, like Nick Robertson, to fill the third-line left-wing spot or consider trading him for a more reliable option. The idea of bringing in an aging, injury-prone veteran like Pacioretty is seen as risky, with many feeling that a one-year deal in the $1.5-2.4 million range might be acceptable, but anything more would be too much of a gamble.