The Toronto Maple Leafs are amongst a number of groups thinking about free-agent winger Max Pacioretty, according to TSN Hockey Insider Chris Johnston. Johnston discussed on TSN Radio 1050’s First Up that the Leafs are exploring their alternatives with Pacioretty however face competitors from other groups.

“Certainly someone that the Leafs have some interest in, that they’ve looked at and really I think that Max has to make a decision for himself, because it’s not just the Leafs that have knocked on his door,” Johnston described. He kept in mind that while Toronto aspires to boost its left-wing depth, Pacioretty has a number of alternatives and need to pick the very best suitable for his profession.

Pacioretty, 35, played 47 video games for the Washington Capitals last season, publishing 4 objectives and 23 points. His season was interrupted after he tore his right Achilles tendon for the 2nd time in January 2023, an obstacle he at first suffered while with the Carolina Hurricanes. Despite these injuries, Pacioretty revealed he might still contribute offensively when healthy.

The veteran winger is coming off a one-year, $2 million agreement with the Capitals. Over his profession, Pacioretty has actually tallied 330 objectives and 668 points in 902 video games, betting the Montreal Canadiens, Vegas Golden Knights, Carolina Hurricanes, and Washington Capitals.

Can the Maple Leafs Afford to Compete With Other Teams for Pacioretty?

With restricted cap area of $1.275 million and a lineup of 21 gamers, the Maple Leafs deal with monetary restrictions in finalizing Pacioretty. The concern ends up being, just how much does this brand-new interest from other groups increase the rate?

If clubs are taking a look at Pacioretty on a PTO, it may just refer finalizing Pacioretty to an ensured agreement. If other groups are open to offering him an agreement, the Leafs may need to do more than provide the league minimum, that makes things tight. Pacioretty’s choice is most likely to come quickly as the NHL season techniques, and it will be intriguing to see if Toronto can move things around if their concern is to protect his services.

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