The Toronto Maple Leafs are amongst a number of groups considering free-agent winger Max Pacioretty, based on TSN Hockey Insider Chris Johnston. Johnston talked about on TSN Radio 1050’s First Up that the Leafs are exploring their choices with Pacioretty however face competitors from different groups.
“Actually somebody that the Leafs have some curiosity in, that they’ve checked out and actually I feel that Max has to decide for himself, as a result of it’s not simply the Leafs which have knocked on his door,” Johnston defined. He famous that whereas Toronto is keen to bolster its left-wing depth, Pacioretty has a number of choices and should resolve on the most effective match for his profession.
Pacioretty, 35, performed 47 video games for the Washington Capitals final season, posting 4 objectives and 23 factors. His season was reduce brief after he tore his proper Achilles tendon for the second time in January 2023, a setback he initially suffered whereas with the Carolina Hurricanes. Regardless of these accidents, Pacioretty confirmed he may nonetheless contribute offensively when wholesome.
The veteran winger is coming off a one-year, $2 million contract with the Capitals. Over his profession, Pacioretty has tallied 330 objectives and 668 factors in 902 video games, taking part in for the Montreal Canadiens, Vegas Golden Knights, Carolina Hurricanes, and Washington Capitals.
Can the Maple Leafs Afford to Compete With Different Groups for Pacioretty?
With restricted cap area of $1.275 million and a roster of 21 gamers, the Maple Leafs face monetary constraints in signing Pacioretty. The query turns into, how a lot does this new curiosity from different groups drive up the worth?
If golf equipment are Pacioretty on a PTO, it would merely be a matter of signing Pacioretty to a assured contract. If different groups are open to giving him a contract, the Leafs may need to do greater than provide the league minimal, which makes issues tight. Pacioretty’s choice is prone to come quickly because the NHL season approaches, and it will likely be attention-grabbing to see if Toronto can transfer issues round if their precedence is to safe his companies.
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