Maple Leafs Set for Imminent Announcement on Max Pacioretty

Max Pacioretty’s future with the Toronto Maple Leafs is nearly set after a strong preseason showing working for the team under a professional tryout (PTO) deal.

The veteran winger signed a PTO contract in the offseason but he made more than enough plays during the exhibition tour to earn a standard contract in the eyes of most Leafs fans.

Pacioretty finished the preseason recording five points (three goals, two assists) in his first two games with the Leafs. All of that, avoiding major injuries during training camp, has likely secured Pacioretty a one-year deal with the Leafs.

According to The Leafs Nation Nick Alberga, Pacioretty’s future with the Maple Leafs is about to be secured for the upcoming season with the agreement expected to be signed on Sunday.

“As expected, Max Pacioretty will be signing a one-year deal with the Maple Leafs,” Alberga reported on X on Saturday. “Source tells me it should get done on Sunday.”

Pacioretty will likely sign for the league minimum, with the deal expected to be finalized following Toronto’s final preseason game against the Detroit Red Wings and ahead of the season opener on Oct. 9 against the Montreal Canadiens.

Pacioretty, who has struggled with injuries throughout his 16-year NHL career, is coming off a torn ACL but managed to play 47 games for the Washington Capitals last season.

In order to sign Pacioretty, however, the Leafs still have to make some roster moves. Toronto is more than $1 million over the cap entering Sunday, and they already have the maximum 23 players rostered.

The Leafs will need to move some players to their AHL affiliate the Toronto Marlies via cut or trade someone in exchange for cap relief. Notably, Timothy Liljegren could be the odd man out according to reports emerging during the weekend.

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*