Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
A new report gives an update of Max Pacioretty’s future and what it’d take for the Toronto Maple Leafs to bring him back.
New reporting reveals that the Toronto Maple Leafs could end up bringing back forward Max Pacioretty after all, although there’s a pressing roster decision that would need to be stipulated in order to achieve this.
Although the door was never closed on his return, the Toronto Maple Leafs have been seldom linked to a reunion with Pacioretty, and with a flurry of bottom-six signings seemed already phased out of the Leafs plans. The door, however, does not seem closed.
Pacioretty, 36, surprised some when he earned a roster spot for the Leafs after signing a PTO in the offseason, proving that he still had a bit of gas left in the tank with five goals and 13 points in 37 games for Toronto, while being solid when given proper minutes.
There’s the potential that Pacioretty could go one more season in the NHL, and it’s indicated that’s a very real possibility to see Pacioretty, who is still unsigned, earn a new contract.
Why Pacioretty’s Situation Could Complicate Toronto’s Plans
Augello also notes the potential of a return to Pacioretty to Montreal, where he spent his first 10 seasons, as well as his hometown Detroit Red Wings, and where he played college for the Michigan Wolverines.
What It Means for the Maple Leafs’ Forward Depth
As Augello mentioned, the Toronto Maple Leafs would have to move one of Kampf or Jarnkrok to make room for Pacioretty, although both being moved isn’t impossible.
Logically, keeping the younger Kampf & Jarnkrok seem more sensible, as Pacioretty has shown both signs of a decline and the inability to stay healthy. While Pacioretty has shown flashes of skill left in him, he’s struggled to do so consistently.
Though if Toronto is still lacking space and the veteran forward gets a call from someone like Detroit or even perhaps his old club Montreal, then odds are he’s headed there this upcoming season.
It would be more likely to think Max Pacioretty finds himself elsewhere than Toronto if he wants to continue his NHL career for one last go, but the Leafs could still bank on the capable Pacioretty that showed up when healthy if they feel strongly he still has more to give.
Previously on HockeyPatrol
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New Details Emerge on Max Pacioretty That Could Impact His Future with the Maple Leafs
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