Former Toronto Maple Leafs veteran forward Max Pacioretty remains a free agent as his future is in doubt.
Pacioretty was rumored to be returning to Toronto, but no deal has been made. Now, NHL analyst David Staples of the Edmonton Journal links Pacioretty to the Edmonton Oilers.
“All of the top NHL unrestricted free agents have already signed contracts. But there’s one big name player still available that makes good sense for the Edmonton Oilers to pursue,” Staples wrote. “This doesn’t mean this veteran NHL forward will sign with the Oilers. But his skillset, think Corey Perry, only far more physical, fits with what Edmonton needs and would provide said free agent forward, Max Pacioretty, with a solid chance of winning his first Stanley Cup.
“Indications are that Pacioretty will sign elsewhere if he decides to play one more NHL season at age 37. I’m not an insider telling you the Oilers are keen on him or he’s keen on the Oilers,” Staples added. “But in looking at what Edmonton now needs, having lost power forwards Evander Kane and Dylan Holloway in the past two years, as well as aggressive forwards Warren Foegele, Corey Perry, Connor Brown and Viktor Arvidsson — Pacioretty would might well be an excellent fit here, especially come playoff time.”
Pacioretty is coming off a one-year, $873,770 deal with the Maple Leafs and would have to sign something similar with the Oilers. Although he’s been rumored to want to stay on the East Coast, the Oilers could give the veteran forward plenty of playing time. As well as a chance to win a Stanley Cup.
Pacioretty recorded 5 goals and 8 assists for 13 points in 37 games. He added 3 goals and 5 assists for 8 points in 11 playoff games.
Pacioretty Was Leaning Towards Returning to the Maple Leafs
After the season ended, Pacioretty wasn’t sure if he would continue playing.
But, after deciding he did want to play again, Pacioretty was linked to returning to the Maple Leafs.
Maple Leafs insider James Mirtle of The Athletic reported before the NHL Draft that the veteran forward is likely to play again next season.
“One piece of good news over the past few days is that UFA Max Pacioretty is leaning toward a return after the Leafs expressed considerable interest in keeping him following a terrific postseason, according to a league source,” Mirtle wrote.
Pacioretty had dealt with injuries last season and said being away from his family was difficult.
“This year was very difficult for me, being away from my family,” Pacioretty said in his end-of-season media availability on May 20. “I’m really excited to just get home and be with them, and talk to them about what’s next in life. But in terms of playing, that’s difficult to answer right now.”
Pacioretty has skated in 939 career games.
Reporter Names 2 Teams Likely to Sign Pacioretty
Although Staples believes Pacioretty would be a good fit in Edmonton, he isn’t sure the veteran forward will sign with the Oilers.
Instead, Staples believes Pacioretty will stay close to home and sign with the Maple Leafs or Detroit Red Wings.
“It seems most likely that if Pacioretty does play, Toronto or Detroit or some other eastern team will sign him. But the lure of taking on Corey Perry’s role here in Edmonton is not insignificant. Here’s hoping, as Pacioretty would be a decent bet and a solid signing for the Oilers,” Staples added.
Pacioretty is a one-time NHL All-Star.
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