Detroit Red Wings poised to rival Toronto Maple Leafs for top remaining free agent

The Athletic's Arthur Staple wrote in an article that the Red Wings are suitors in the chase for winger Max Pacioretty, the former All-Star one of the top players still unsigned.

Multiple reports in the past few days have linked Pacioretty as a potential suitor for Toronto, who are looking for a potential option on the left wing with RFA Nick Robertson still without a contract and having requested a trade.

Toronto has reportedly offered a guaranteed contract to Pacioretty and not just a tryout deal, although Detroit's offer isn't clear but assumingly would have to be the same for Pacioretty to accept.

Neither Detroit or Toronto have finalized a deal at this time, and it's not confirmed if any other teams are still in the running for Pacioretty's services.

Pacioretty, 35, was an All-Star in 2020, is a 16 year NHL veteran, having played in 902 career games with the Montreal Canadiens, Vegas Golden Knights, Carolina Hurricanes & Washington Capitals.

Pacioretty spent the 2023-24 season with Washington, recording 4 goals, 19 assists & 23 points in 47 games.