The Toronto Maple Leafs are expressing interest in bringing back unrestricted free agent Max Pacioretty, according to a source who told The Athletic’s James Mirtle. The veteran winger is leaning toward a return to Toronto.
The team’s interest comes after Pacioretty’s strong playoff performance. He recorded three goals and five assists in 11 postseason games while averaging 12:51 of ice time per contest.
Pacioretty delivered the series-clinching goal against Ottawa in Game 6 of the first round.
The 36-year-old joined Toronto on a professional tryout before signing a one-year, $874,000 contract. He appeared in 37 regular season games, scoring five goals and adding eight assists. Injuries kept him out of 27 games.
Pacioretty earned just over $600,000 in performance bonuses for playing more than 35 games. Players over 35 who sign one-year deals are eligible for these bonuses.
The decision isn’t final yet. Pacioretty told Sportsnet last month that he’s taking time to consider whether this past season would be his last.
If he returns, it would be his 18th NHL season.
Pacioretty has tallied 681 career points in 939 games. The Montreal Canadiens selected him 22nd overall in the 2007 NHL Draft. He spent 10 seasons with Montreal before moving to Vegas for four years from 2018 to 2022.
He’s since played single seasons with Carolina, Washington, and and now Toronto.
