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Earlier this week, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported that the Toronto Maple Leafs may be exploring options on their left side prior to training camp, with some uncertainty after the departure of Tyler Bertuzzi and the contract impasse with RFA Nick Robertson.
One name mentioned as a possible option was veteran forward Max Pacioretty. According to both David Pagnotta of the Fourth Period and reporter Nick Alberga , the Leafs are in the mix for the former Montreal Canadiens captain, on what would likely be a one-year contract.
The 35-year-old winger is a six-time 30-goal scorer, but suffered a season-ending Achilles injury with Vegas in 2022, a reoccurrence of the same injury with Carolina in 2023 that limited him to five games, and only four goals in 51 regular season and playoff games with Washington after returning to the lineup last season.
Unimaginable and devastating. What a difficult time across the entire Hockey and Sports Community. Deepest condolences to Gaudreau family, their friends, teammates and colleagues. May Matthew and Johnny Hockey rest in power. 💐🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾❤️🩹. pic.twitter.com/c8R4WWBVoK
The Leafs have only 46 pro contracts on the books but have just over $1 million in available cap space (if the Jani Hakanpaa contract does not count), which would likely mean that a potential one-year deal would be for something close to the NHL veteran minimum of $775,000 with potential performance bonuses.
The Toronto scenario would make sense for Pacioretty because there is a pathway to playing at least part of the time in the top six. It also makes sense for the Leafs because of the low risk and potentially high reward if the 35-year-old can regain at least some of the scoring touch he had a few years ago.
GM Brad Treliving has to be looking for some veteran insurance with the inexperience of 21-year-old Matthew Knies, Bobby McMann's durability issues, and Robertson's contract status. If the Leafs do sign Pacioretty, it increases the chances of the Leafs swapping the 22-year-old RFA winger for a 2025 draft pick since Toronto only has one pick in the first four rounds.
Toronto Maple Leafs Blogger • 
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