Time Running Out for Playoff Standout Still on the Market
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs are running out of time if they want to re-sign one of their most pleasant surprises last season, as he's still hanging around free agency.
With all the talk about who the Maple Leafs might end up bringing in via the trade market or free agency, there are no shortage of options, but the question remains: Can they make enough space to work something out?
It's a hard road to navigate and while there is some time left to bring in some pieces, there's only a handful of weeks until training camp starts, which means the regular season is right around the corner, so time is of the essence.
Speaking of time, that seems to be running out on the Maple Leafs' decision regarding veteran forward Max Pacioretty.
Why His Playoff Run Should Have Guaranteed Him a Contract
Signed to a PTO last season, he translated that into a one-year deal, and though he dealt with a bunch of injuries that kept him out the majority of the season, he stepped in and surprised many in the postseason with 8 points in 11 games.
That alone should have given Toronto an incentive to sign him; he was the fourth-leading scorer in the playoffs on a team that boasted John Tavares, Matthew Knies and Bobby McMann.
It also would have given the Leafs a bit more cap space to work with as it might be unlikely they sign Michael Pezzetta (another former Canadien) as Pacioretty would be a fourth-line winger with Scott Laughton and Steven Lorentz.
What's Really Keeping Teams From Making an Offer
But those injuries led to questions about his ability to still play, and while the signs pointed towards the Maple Leafs wanting to bring him back (and the feeling being mutual), there's been radio silence from both parties.
If Toronto is still looking to add a piece to their lineup and want to go the Pacioretty route, they need to first make sure they get rid of David Kampf and Calle Jarnkrok, and then beyond that, still find room for all their new additions.
It wouldn't be surprising to see the team bring back Pacioretty on another PTO with the intention of signing him and giving themselves a bit of a buffer to have him get reps while simultaneously working out a deal to open up a spot.
There's other options however on the PTO market who can offer more versatility and potential than Pacioretty, and the injury concerns are legitimate.
It's a matter of space, money, and putting a lot of faith in Pacioretty to stay healthy where history shows that's a tall order.
Is he worth adding? Sure, he was a great surprise last year.
But does that surprise factor come with a honeymoon phase, and we might get a reality check if the team decides to bring him back.
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