Canadian Rival Named Ideal Fit for Max Pacioretty, Raising Big Questions for Maple Leafs
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
According to a new article from the Edmonton Journal, free agent forward Max Pacioretty was named as a potential Oilers signing as his Maple Leafs tenure is still unknown.
Though he was expected to make a return for the 2025-26 NHL season, so far it's been quite a while since we heard much regarding Max Pacioretty's future besides Leafs GM Brad Treliving saying he felt like he wanted to return.
However with the Maple Leafs making a slew of changes in their lineup and bringing in a ton of bottom-six depth (a role Pacioretty once held) there may not be a place for him on the roster anyhow.
Canadian rival emerges as surprise contender for Pacioretty
Which is why the Edmonton Journal believes he would make a great replacement for someone who left in free agency, that being Corey Perry.
According to the article, Pacioretty would be able to bring a more physical presence and fill the void left by Perry, and can still be a solid contributor:
Of course, he's slowing down. He had just five goals this past regular season in 37 games for Toronto, that after four goals in 47 games for Washington in 2023-24. But in small doses, Pacioretty still brings it as a power forward.
In the last two playoffs season, if we rank NHL forwards giving equal weight two categories, points per 60 minutes of even strength play and hits per 60 even strength, Pacioretty ranks second overall of all NHL forwards, with 21.9 hits per 60 and 1.77 points per 60.
In the last two playoffs season, if we rank NHL forwards giving equal weight two categories, points per 60 minutes of even strength play and hits per 60 even strength, Pacioretty ranks second overall of all NHL forwards, with 21.9 hits per 60 and 1.77 points per 60.
It's surprising to see Pacioretty still on the market though that may have to do with him relaxing before committing (or he could sign another PTO this fall).
But what can Pacioretty bring to the table?
Why Max Pacioretty still has something to offer in 2025
Well, he's not the goal-scoring prowess he was with the Canadiens or even Vegas, but he can offer a ton of depth in the bottom-six with a surprisingly gritty edge.
People tend to forget Pacioretty is 6'2, 217 pounds; a very intimidating presence, and recently learned to lean into his size more, and became a huge physical force and putting up 105 hits in the regular season, and 61 in the playoffs.
Speaking of playoffs, that's where he shone. Though he only played in 35 games due to injuries, he managed to skate in 11 playoff games and score 8 points (3 goals, 5 assists).
Is that the same offense as Perry? No, but he offers a different style of game with the same mentorship and capabilities to produce.
Added bonus, he's going to be dirt-cheap, so if the Oilers want to add him it won't cost much.
But what about the Leafs? Surely they'd like to bring him back right?
What this could mean for the Maple Leafs' remaining cap strategy
They don't have much cap left, and they still need to sign Nicholas Robertson and/or deal with what his arbitration case turns out to be. That makes it even harder to bring him back and if they can't trade David Kampf or Calle Jarnkrok; then yikes.
Plus look at the additions over the past few weeks: Michael Pezzetta, Dakota Joshua, Travis Boyd; plus you've got a re-signed Steven Lorentz, Scott Laughton and potentially Easton Cowan to worry about.
At this point, the team has added so much depth that it would be a bit out of pocket to sign Pacioretty back with his injury history; they're paying to just use their depth when they could do it for free.
This means that there's no real room for Pacioretty from both a cap and roster space standpoint. It's not that he couldn't help the team again, but the cost and lack of room is going to have something to say about that.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 21 | 2163 ANSWERS Canadian Rival Named Ideal Fit for Max Pacioretty, Raising Big Questions for Maple Leafs Do you think Toronto should re-sign Max Pacioretty? | ||
| Yes | 1376 | 63.6 % |
| No | 787 | 36.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
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