Maple Leafs Veteran Forward to 'Talk' NHL Future With Family

One of the most seasoned players in the Toronto Maple Leafs roster isn’t ready to say whether he’s played his last NHL game, but he acknowledged Tuesday that retirement is on the table.

Max Pacioretty, 36, just completed his one-year contract with the Leafs following the elimination of Toronto in the second round of the playoffs at the hands of the Florida Panthers.

Speaking at the team’s end-of-season media availability, Pacioretty admitted the year was difficult for him, largely due to being away from his family.

“This year was very difficult for me being away from my family,” Pacioretty said. “So 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 finished the playoffs with three goals and five assists in 11 games after posting 13 points (five goals and eight assists) in 37 regular-season appearances.

The veteran winger was a healthy scratch at the start of the postseason but stepped in for Games 3 and 6 of the series against the Panthers, assisting and scoring a goal, respectively.

After signing a professional tryout in camp, Pacioretty earned a spot on the Leafs’ roster following multiple major injuries in recent years, including two Achilles tendon tears.

Toronto Maple Leafs left wing Max Pacioretty (67) celebrates after scoring a goal against the Florida Panthers during the first period in game two of the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena.Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images

Pacioretty started his career in Toronto’s rival, the Montreal Canadiens, who drafted him with the No. 22 overall pick in the 2007 NHL draft.

The veteran has gone on to have an extremely productive career, including captaining the Habs, in which if he retires, he’d do so having racked up 681 points in 939 regular-season games to go with 58 points in 89 postseason contests.

Pacioretty also represented the United States at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi.

Maple Leafs Veteran Forward to ‘Talk’ NHL Future With Family

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