Report: ‘Firmly In The Mix’ To Sign 900-Game Veteran for Maple Leafs.

According to recent reports, the Toronto Maple Leafs are reportedly looking at experienced free-agent forwards, and one player in particular: Max Pacioretty.

The 35-year-old forward, a six-time NHL 30-goal scorer, is “firmly in the mix” for a contract with the Leafs, according to The Leafs Nation source Nick Alberga.

On August 29, Alberga said on X, “Sources confirm the Maple Leafs are among the teams firmly in the mix to sign veteran UFA forward Max Pacioretty.”
Pacioretty, who has 330 career goals to his name, is coming off a challenging period in his career, having endured two Achilles tears to the same leg over the past three seasons, thus diminishing his value and still being an available unrestricted free agency.Due to injuries, the veteran’s playing time has been severely restricted lately. As a result, Pacioretty will miss half of the 2021–22 season and all but five games of the 2022–23 season.

In spite of the setbacks, it appears like the Maple Leafs are considering giving Pacioretty a regular player contract rather than pursuing a professional tryout (PTO). Pacioretty would then be added to the regular season roster for the remainder of the game.
Toronto’s interest stems from the Leafs’ ongoing hunt for backup scorers, especially in light of RFA Nick Robertson’s uncertain future and his want to be traded out of the organization.

Soon after, Alberga’s allegation was verified by insider David Pagnotta of The Four Period. He added that the Leafs’ offer “would be an SPC, not a PTO, if they agree to terms,” indicating that the forward would sign a normal contract rather than one equivalent to a tryout.

Heard the same about Pacioretty and the Leafs. If they accept the terms, this would be an SPC rather than a PTO, Pagnotta wrote on X.