Max Pacioretty Linked To Another Atlantic Division Team

A veteran proven goal scorer still being available on the free agent market at this point in the offseason could be a valued commodity. However, Max Pacioretty is coming off three pretty much lost seasons due to a pair of Achilles tears.

The 35-year-old came back this past year in January, but only managed to find the net four times in 47 games with the Washington Capitals. This, from a six-time 30-goal scorer with 330 NHL goals under his belt.

But now, another several months closer to regaining full health, Pacioretty is again drawing some interest. We heard a few days ago that the Toronto Maple Leafs are a team strongly in pursuit, and now we can add the Detroit Red Wings to the mix.

If you were Steve Yzerman, would you add a Max Pacioretty to the Detroit Red Wings? 🐙#LGRW #RedWings pic.twitter.com/oQqPXhgL6G
— Hockeytown Rundown 🐙 (@HockeytownRD) August 31, 2024

According to Arthur Staple of The Athletic, the Red Wings are interested in Pacioretty, though he also wonders, "The Wings can’t add any more over-30 guys, can they?"

Staple has a point, after this summer's re-signing of Patrick Kane (35) and the additions of Vladimir Tarasenko (32), Erik Gustafsson (32), and goaltenders Cam Talbot (37) and Jack Campbell (32). And you can throw in recent PTO invite Austin Watson (32).

The Wings' average age has soared to 29.36 — the highest it's been in 13 years. Odd for a team that's in a rebuild.

Whether or not that stops them from signing Pacioretty remains to be seen.