Brad Treliving clarifies a key detail about new Maple Leafs Max Pacioretty's contract

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Daniel Lucente
September 16, 2024 (10:59)

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There seems to be a lot of information coming in regarding Max Pacioretty's latest PTO he signed with the Leafs, but Brad Treliving provided major clarification.

Earlier on in the week, the Toronto Maple Leafs had signed veteran forward Max Pacioretty to a Professional Tryout (PTO), and though it might have come as a bit of a surprise to some fans, GM Brad Treliving insists it's part of the bigger plan.

Max Pacioretty has been battling a tough stretch these last couple of years with injuries, and limited games with the Carolina Hurricanes and Washington Capitals. However, just a few years ago, he was a consistent top performer, averaging 24 goals a year over four seasons with the Vegas Golden Knights. Despite an unideal ending in Vegas, his offense can be a force.

So when Toronto announced Max Pacioretty's PTO, the question on some fans' minds was if a roster spot couldn't have been better used on younger, healthier talent. But Brad Treliving put that to bed in a media session on September 12th.

He reassured fans that the signing of Max Pacioretty wasn't on a whim, as he has been on their radar for weeks. Rumblings of a possible PTO signing had been around for quite some time, and with Pacioretty feeling healthier and more focused on recovery, it was almost the perfect time.

"We will see (what Pacioretty's role is),' Treliving said. 'With Max, he is a veteran guy who has been beset by injuries in the last couple of years.
We brought Max in probably about a month or three weeks ago for a couple of days, and he was very open to not only going through a medical exam but also getting on the ice for us to see where he is at."

- Brad Treliving

Max Pacioretty was quick to point out that this is a different year, emphatically, as rather than the pure training he's been used to, he's done a ton of rehab in working his way back from a multitude of injuries. That certainly is great news for the Leafs, as Pacioretty should be ready to go for a full season come October.

While his exact role on the team remains to be seen, it is evident that Toronto finds some value in the experience he brings. He could add much-needed depth to the third and fourth lines while adding leadership to a locker room filled with so many young talents. Max Pacioretty's scoring ability when healthy might also prove to be an asset in adding another layer to Toronto's offensive options.

Despite all this, don't expect any free passes for Max Pacioretty. GM Treliving made it rather clear that nothing would be given away for free, and players like him also need to earn their roles. This may well mean an actual fight during training camp for him to prove he's still good enough to play on a contending team. Treliving did state, however, that he does expect Pacioretty to be on the opening night roster if all goes as planned.

"My expectation is he's going to be with us, but everyone has to earn their spot here."

- Brad Treliving

If he can make the cut, Max Pacioretty's presence adds a little extra spice with his years as captain in Montreal to the age-old Maple Leafs vs. Canadiens rivalry. It would add an extra emotional piece to see him in blue and white for those matchups, so it makes the season all that more interesting for both sides of this rivalry.

All things considered, the signing of Max Pacioretty to a PTO is a calculated risk, but if he remains healthy, that could turn into an absolutely massive payoff for the Leafs.