Max Pacioretty Linked to Potential Reunion With Maple Leafs' Historic Rival
Photo credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images
With questions around Max Pacioretty's status with the Maple Leafs, he could end up heading back to Montreal where it all began, according to a new report from The Hockey News.
It's been radio silence for the last few weeks regarding Max Pacioretty, with the only news that he seems ready to return to the league for yet another season; injury issues be damned.
But the issue is where will he end up? A pleasant surprise for the Maple Leafs last season (especially in the playoffs), he's still a free agent and with several teams looking to add a veteran presence with a touch of offense; he's your guy.
Max Pacioretty Floated as Fit for Canadiens in Opinion Piece
According to a new article from The Hockey News' Michael Augello, there are a few teams who might benefit from Pacioretty, with the Red Wings, Maple Leafs, Edmonton, and New York (Islanders or Rangers) listed as potential destinations.
But one other team stands out, not only because they could use him, but because he's quite familiar with them: The Montreal Canadiens.
Augello writes regarding the Canadiens and Pacioretty reuniting:
They say you can never go home again, but the Canadiens, after surprisingly making the post-season, are looking to add some experience to support their young core group.
The issue is that Pacioretty is likely to be a part-time player as he has been the last couple seasons, and the Habs need someone who can be in the lineup most of the time.
The issue is that Pacioretty is likely to be a part-time player as he has been the last couple seasons, and the Habs need someone who can be in the lineup most of the time.
A silver lining for Maple Leafs fans is the fact the Habs want a more regular player meanwhile Toronto isn't shy about swapping players in and out depending on the situation.
But he very well could go back to where it all began and finish out his career there much like John Tavares is with Toronto.
How a Pacioretty Reunion Could Impact the Maple Leafs
If the former Canadiens captain headed back to Montreal, it would give the Maple Leafs a bit of pause considering a) they want to bring him back and b) how will they respond?
A great surprise in the postseason last year, Toronto can't afford to have him do the same with Montreal, and may need to fight fire with a bit of fire.
Pacioretty, 35, had 13 points in 35 games (8 goals, 5 assists) while adding 8 points in 11 games (3 goals, 5 assists) in the postseason.
Guys like Jack Roslovic or Brett Leason would offer either an offensive punch or that physicalty Pacioretty brought, and keep him and his legs working.
But it also might set into motion Toronto trying to bring in an old face themselves, as they know that the reaction they would get is not only positive, but give the rest of the league a lot of issues going forward.
He could very well come back and this is all moot, but with the lineup changes made already and the players in; it's hard to find a spot for Pacioretty especially with a looming Nick Robertson deal.
So the Habs might get a chance to rekindle with their captain one last time after all.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 28 | 884 ANSWERS Max Pacioretty Linked to Potential Reunion With Maple Leafs' Historic Rival Where will Max Pacioretty sign? | ||
| Toronto | 396 | 44.8 % |
| Montreal | 96 | 10.9 % |
| Detroit | 136 | 15.4 % |
| Other | 256 | 29 % |
| List of polls | ||
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