The Toronto Maple Leafs are making a captaincy change. The Hockey News breaks down why Auston Matthews will become the 26th captain in franchise history. Max Pacioretty will reportedly be a Toronto Maple Leafs player for the upcoming season. According to Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli, the 35-year-old forward is expected to sign a deal with Toronto as the team sorts through their salary cap matters. "On Max Pacioretty: While #Leafs [https://x.com/hashtag/Leafs?src=hashtag_click] work through some salary cap issues, there is an expectation from both sides that Pacioretty will be a Maple Leaf this season," he posted to X. Pacioretty is entering his 17th season in the NHL. He's played for the Montreal Canadiens, Vegas Golden Knights, Carolina Hurricanes, and the Washington Capitals over his 902-game NHL career. The veteran forward has dealt with an Achilles injury throughout the last two seasons, only playing 52 games through that span with Carolina and Washington. He returned in January with the Capitals and played 47 games, scoring four goals and 19 assists for 23 points. According to TSN's Darren Dreger on Tuesday morning, after Robertson signed a one-year deal with Toronto, Pacioretty and Jani Hakanpaa would be next on the list of the Maple Leafs' additions. Hakanpaa reportedly signed a two-year, $3 million deal with the Maple Leafs in July, however, the contract was never registered with the NHL. Toronto has $400,333 in cap space after signing Robertson on Tuesday morning, according to PuckPedia.com [https://puckpedia.com/team/toronto-maple-leafs]. Adding Pacioretty and Hakanpaa on contracts would mean Toronto needs to shed some cap space ahead of the 2024-25 season. The acquisition of Pacioretty would further deepen the depth of the Maple Leafs' left wing. In 902 career NHL games, Pacioretty has 330 goals and 338 assists for 668 points. Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAwNTk1MTUxMDE2NDM2ODQ0/cf1808c0-6a82-4298-9049-3eb2eae105b0.jpg] Related Report: Nick Robertson Could Still be Traded Despite Signing New Contract with Maple Leafs [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/latest-news/report-nick-robertson-could-still-be-traded-despite-signing-new-contract-with-maple-leafs] Easton Cowan, Fraser Minten Among Maple Leafs Named to Toronto's Prospects Showdown Roster in Montreal [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/latest-news/easton-cowan-fraser-minten-among-maple-leafs-named-to-torontos-prospects-showdown-roster-in-montreal] Report: Max Pacioretty and Jani Hakanpaa Next for Maple Leafs to Add to Roster Ahead of Training Camp Following Singing of Nick Robertson [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/latest-news/report-max-pacioretty-and-jani-hakanpaa-next-for-maple-leafs-to-add-to-roster-ahead-of-training-camp-following-singing-of-nick-robertson] News from THN.com Eight More NHL Goalies with New Creative Masks Ahead of the 2024-25 Season [https://thehockeynews.com/news/eight-more-nhl-goalies-with-new-creative-masks-ahead-of-the-2024-25-season] 'Universally Adored': Blue Jackets Players, GM Express Grief At Loss of Johnny Gaudreau, Brother [https://thehockeynews.com/news/universally-adored-blue-jackets-players-gm-express-grief-at-loss-of-johnny-gaudreau-brother] Opinion: Bruins Fans Should Feel Fortunate GM Sweeney Is On Case In Swayman Contract Saga [https://thehockeynews.com/news/opinion-the-bruins-should-feel-fortunate-gm-sweeney-is-handling-swaymans-contract-saga]
