Max Pacioretty played 37 games for the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2024-25.
The former Montreal Canadiens captain remains unsigned during this offseason. He has missed significant time over the last three seasons due to injury.
A former NHLer believes every NHL team should have an interest in Pacioretty. His ability on the ice and his off-ice leadership would be a significant addition for any of the 32 teams. Despite no commitment to return, there is interest between the Maple Leafs and Pacioretty in a potential reunion.
Drew Shore on Max Pacioretty Being Unsigned
Drew Shore is a 34-year-old former NHLer. He played 98 games combined for the Florida Panthers, Calgary Flames, Vancouver Canucks, and Carolina Hurricanes.
After his playing career, he became a hockey player agent with Wasserman. He now focuses on Amalfi, a business he created to help athletes succeed in life after their professional careers have concluded.
Shore posted on X, “Looking at the remaining NHL UFAs, every GM should be calling and begging Max Pacioretty to entertain a one or even two-year deal.” Pacioretty is coming off a one-year $873,770 contract he signed after being offered a PTO by the Maple Leafs.
It’s not uncommon for an older veteran player like Pacioretty to not have a contract at the end of July. After all, the veteran forward hadn’t agreed to his PTO with the Maple Leafs until September 12th.
Pacioretty Brings Depth Scoring
The 17-year NHL veteran finished the 2024-25 regular season with 13 points in 37 games. He was utilized in a depth role, playing 13:30 per game.
With the Maple Leafs, Pacioretty spent 39.6 percent of his playing time on a line with John Tavares and William Nylander. He recorded eight of his 13 points while on this line at even strength.
Pacioretty upped his production during the playoffs. The 36-year-old veteran recorded eight points in 11 games, averaging 12:51 per game. His production across the 2024-25 regular season and playoffs demonstrates that Pacioretty has enough talent to add value to a team with Stanley Cup aspirations.
Pacioretty Returning to the Maple Leafs?
His Maple Leafs teammates have been quick to heap praise on the NHL veteran. Brandon Carlo described Pacioretty to Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun as one who “plays a very hard game. I’ve played against him and he’s not a fun guy to play against.” Carlo added, “I love his game and his leadership as well.”
Following the Maple Leafs’ 2025 playoff exit, Pacioretty was unsure about continuing his playing career. He acknowledged how difficult it was to play away from his family and wanted to take some time before making a decision.
“I’m really excited to just get home and be with them and talk to them about what’s next in life. ” Pacioretty told the media at his exit interview. “But in terms of playing, that’s difficult to answer right now.”
In early June, James Mirtle of The Athletic reported that, “Pacioretty is leaning toward a return after the Leafs expressed considerable interest in keeping him following a terrific postseason.”
Regardless of whether the Maple Leafs bring him back or another team decides to take a swing, it’s clear that if Pacioretty wants to return, there are multiple reasons why NHL teams should pick up the phone to call his representation.
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