Max Pacioretty's Future with the Maple Leafs Officially Confirmed Per Insider
It appears as though the Toronto Maple Leafs will be going into the 2024-25 season with veteran forward Max Pacioretty after the latest reports from the team's camp.
The Maple Leafs signed Pacioretty to a professional tryout contract last month and he has since exceeded expectations with a strong training camp and pre-season.
Max Pacioretty had three points in his first pre-season game including two goals and followed that up with another two assists last night to give himself five on the year. It appears as though his performances have been enough to convince Leafs brass that he can still play at a high level according to team reporter Nick Alberga. Alberga reported this afternoon that Pacioretty is expected to sign a one-year deal with the team, likely worth league-minimum.
He also revealed that the contract will likely be finalized tomorrow, after the team wraps up their pre-season with a game against the Detroit Red Wings tonight.
Max likely would have signed a proper contract with the Leafs or another NHL team much earlier in the offseason if it were not for his injury history. Unfortunately, he has dealt with a constant series of injuries throughout his career, having played a full 82 games just once in his 16-year career. Most recently, Pacioretty suffered a torn ACL, but did return to play 47 games for the Washington Capitals. Now, the 35-year-old appears to be as excited as ever to play in the NHL as he is very happy with his new teammates in Toronto. In fact, he even said they are the 'hardest' group he has ever been a part of.
Pacioretty is not the only player Brad Treliving and the Toronto Maple Leafs signed to a PTO this summer. They also brought in Steven Lorentz from the Florida Panthers on a similar deal, and according to Luke Fox of Sportsnet, he also appears to have earned a contract after a strong pre-season. With Lorentz and Pacioretty locks to make the team, it appears as though the roster is set. Both of the new wingers will slot in on the left side behind Matthew Knies and Max Domi. Just like that, the Leafs have solidified their weak left-wing and appear to be ready to make a statement this season.
