3 Potential Free-Agent Destinations for Max Pacioretty

Max Pacioretty remains unsigned this offseason as the 2024 NHL free-agent period is almost a week old. Pacioretty, 35, spent last season with the Washington Capitals where he appeared in 47 games, tallying 23 points. He'd add one assist in four Stanley Cup Playoff games and while the Caps were open to moving the veteran winger ahead of the trade deadline, Pacioretty wanted to ride out his time in Washington.

The Capitals have not turned around and offered him an extension and now Pacioretty looks for a new home. Here's three teams to keep an eye on:

San Jose Sharks

The Sharks would give Pacioretty a chance at top-nine minutes and power-play time and it would be a situation where he could be a mentor for the young core of the Sharks. San Jose has already added Tyler Toffoli and Alex Wennberg and have lots of cap space to fit in Pacioretty on a league minimum deal. Riding out your NHL career playing in California isn't the worst set up.

Montreal Canadiens

This would be a full circle moment for Pacioretty and for Habs fans. Montreal has over $10 million in cap space and Kent Hughes only has 18 of 23 NHL roster spots currently filled. Pacioretty was a crown jewel in Montreal for over a decade. The Canadiens are re-tooling and slowly working their way back into playoff contention, having Pacioretty as a third-line winger could help improve their hockey club for next season.

Buffalo Sabres

The Sabres are trying to infuse some veteran forwards and Pacioretty could be a solid addition up front. While he's slowed down the past couple of years, in large part due to a knee injury, the veteran winger can still produce in the right situations. Playing on the Sabres third line and second power-play unit could get Pacioretty back closer to the 20-goal mark next season.

Photo credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports