Maple Leafs Forward Poised for Breakout After Post-Christmas Remarks
Toronto Maple Leafs forward Max Pacioretty is a potential candidate to dominate in the team's second half after recent comments made by the Leafs forward.
Signed as a potential offensive middle-six option, Pacioretty has surprised in a more defensive oriented role, playing more physical and high-intensity than he is used to.
Max Pacioretty expressed optimism over his potential for the Toronto Maple Leafs at the turn of the calendar year, believing that after getting some much needed rest, that he is ready to be a top contributor on the team beside John Tavares and Mitch Marner in the Leafs offense.
Pacioretty's recent comments affirm his commitment to trying out this new role, at 36-years-old letting himself play differently from the offense he put up in his prime:
Is Pacioretty An Option For The Leafs As A Defensive Forward?
In recent years, the Toronto Maple Leafs have lacked much of a defensive presence at forward, especially in the top-nine.
David Kampf has been a fine bottom-six forward but has not always been healthy. Ryan Reaves has been a grinder, but has struggled elsewhere on the ice and hasn't even done the one thing he's signed to do.
It's a notable decision for Pacioretty, who is already playing alongside one of the top defensive forwards in the NHL in Mitch Marner, who has been strong in that role this season.
Perhaps this move gives Mitch Marner the chance to focus on the offensive side of his game, with Marner having 10 goals, a team-leading 36 assists and 46 points in 35 games this season for Toronto.
Pacioretty has five goals and 10 points in 22 games this season for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
It will be a change for the Toronto Maple Leafs second line, having Pacioretty focused on making the scrappy defensive efforts to allow Mitch Marner to focus on offense alongside John Tavares.
Pacioretty playing the role of a Zach Hyman and Michael Bunting, going into his twilight years being reliable over flashy; something the veteran has been for his long NHL career.
