Report: Max Pacioretty "Next in Line" to Sign With Maple Leafs

Now that restricted free agent Nick Robertson has finally agreed to a new contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs, insider Darren Dreger tells us that UNrestricted free agent and long-time NHL veteran Max Pacioretty is "next in line" to sign.

I would expect Pacioretty and Hakanpaa to be next in line as Leafs adds. It was important to get Robertson done to avoid the possibility of an offer sheet. https://t.co/45RJnN1HHC
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) September 10, 2024

Dreger says that he "would expect" that the 35-year-old veteran, with 330 NHL goals to his credit, should be the next Leafs add ahead of training camp. He also notes that the long-expected addition of hulking defenseman Jani Hakanpaa should also come to fruition.

Sounding like the Maple Leafs & UFA left wing Max Pacioretty are moving towards a PTO. If all goes well, and Toronto creates cap space (which they are working on via trade), a 1-year contract should follow.
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) September 10, 2024

The Leafs, if the Pacioretty move is completed, will have given a huge jolt to their left side up front, as Robertson and Pacioretty should significantly strengthen their depth on left wing. Those two should fall in line behind Matthew Knies and Bobby McMann in the pecking order, with either of Pacioretty or Robertson potentially able to even move into the top six with premier performances at camp.

The past three seasons have been essentially write-offs for Pacioretty, who had to battle his way back from two Achilles tears. He played just half a season in 2021-22, only five games in '22-'23, and it took him until January to return last season, where he struggled to regain his scoring touch, finding the net only 4 times in 47 games with the Washington Capitals.

Patches hopes to be all patched up at this point, and will try to be a bigger contributor on the score sheet once again.

As for Hakanpaa, medical issues with a knee injury put his Leafs' contract in doubt, but it sounds like the 6'7" defender will be ready to give it a go. If his knee holds out, his immense size, his 200 or so hits and 120+ blocked shots will come in handy on the Leafs back line. He's an eight-time 20 goal scorer.