With the bulk of the sought-after unrestricted free agents signed in the first three weeks of July, teams appear to be accelerating the invitation of players on professional tryouts, as the New York Rangers did with two-time Stanley Cup winner Conor Sheary earlier this week. One of the more successful camp invites last September was veteran forward Max Pacioretty.
The former Montreal Canadiens captain saw his productive career derailed by back-to-back Achilles injuries with Vegas and Carolina. He played the second half of the 2023-24 season and the playoffs in Washington, and signed a PTO with Toronto, eventually earning a one-year, bonus-laden $1.5-million deal with the Leafs.
The winger was out of the lineup with a myriad of injuries, playing only 37 regular-season games, but in the playoffs, he was one of the Leafs best performers, registering eight points (three goals and five assists) in 11 games. After the season, the 36-year-old hinted that he may hang up his skates, but a few weeks later, chatter began to percolate that Pacioretty may want to return for another season.
The question is where. Here are five possible destinations:
Montreal Canadiens
They say you can never go home again, but the Canadiens, after surprisingly making the post-season, are looking to add some experience to support their young core group. The issue is that Pacioretty is likely to be a part-time player as he has been the last couple seasons, and the Habs need someone who can be in the lineup most of the time.
Edmonton Oilers
David Staples of the Edmonton Journal suggests that the Oilers could bring in Pacioretty as a replacement for the departed Corey Perry, but this addition would take some cap massaging, since the Oilers have less than $300,000 in cap space.
New York Area
Pacioretty is from nearby New Canaan, Conn. and for years has been connected at one time or another to the Devils, Rangers, or Islanders. Before the 2024 trade deadline, the Broadway Blueshirts reportedly wanted to add him, but he chose to stay with the Capitals.
Detroit Red Wings
Pacioretty makes his off-season home in Michigan and played his college hockey with the Wolverines. His family remained there while he played in Toronto, and being away from them was a big factor in his hinting towards retirement immediately after the season. It is likely that in a perfect world, he would want to sign with the Wings, who are desperate to snap a long playoff drought, but there are no strong indicators that GM Steve Yzerman has interest.
Toronto Maple Leafs
A return to the Maple Leafs seems the most likely of these options. GM Brad Treliving indicated that he is open to bringing Pacioretty back, but with Toronto, their summer moves seem to be on hold until Nick Robertson’s contract situation is rectified, and until they can move out either David Kampf or Calle Jarnkrok.
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