In the realm of hockey free agency, the Toronto Maple Leafs have emerged as a prominent suitor for the services of veteran winger Max Pacioretty. However, according to TSN Hockey Insider Chris Johnston, the Leafs are not the only team vying for Pacioretty’s signature.
Johnston revealed, “Certainly someone that the Leafs have some interest in, that they’ve looked at and really I think that Max has to make a decision for himself, because it’s not just the Leafs that have knocked on his door.” He further added, “Toronto, we’ve talked about some of the lack of depth on the left wing or maybe being an area that they’d like to secure Pacioretty.”
While the Leafs have expressed keen interest in Pacioretty, it is evident that he has multiple suitors as Johnston explained, “Toronto certainly is not his only option so we’ll just have to see. It’s not as though he’s got tons of them, but as the summer is winding to a close here, he’s in a position where I think he’s going to be able to sign a contract rather than a tryout and the Leafs are among the teams, I think, with some interest there.”
Pacioretty, who is 35 years old, featured in 47 games for the Washington Capitals last season, tallying four goals and 23 points. Despite a commendable regular season performance, he managed just a solitary assist in the playoffs prior to the Capitals’ untimely first-round exit at the hands of the New York Rangers.
The 6-foot-2 winger endured a significant setback in January after suffering a reoccurrence of a right Achilles tendon tear, which had previously sidelined him in January of 2023 during his tenure with the Carolina Hurricanes.
Having played on a one-year, $2 million contract with the Capitals last season, Pacioretty now finds himself contemplating his next career move. Since being drafted 22nd overall by the Montreal Canadiens in 2007, he has accumulated an impressive stat line of 330 goals and 668 points across 902 NHL appearances split between the Canadiens, Vegas Golden Knights, Hurricanes, and Capitals.
In terms of financial flexibility, the Maple Leafs currently possess $1.275 million in cap space while boasting a roster of 21 players for the upcoming season. This financial context underscores the delicate balance Toronto must strike in pursuing Pacioretty’s services while considering the overall roster composition.
Adding a layer of complexity to the Maple Leafs’ pursuit of Pacioretty is the unresolved situation surrounding restricted free agent Nick Robertson. The young forward’s contractual status further complicates Toronto’s roster decisions, potentially influencing their approach towards Pacioretty and other free-agent targets.
As the off-season narrative unfolds, all eyes remain on Pacioretty’s impending decision, with the Leafs and other interested teams eagerly awaiting his choice amidst a backdrop of shifting roster dynamics and financial considerations.
