Max Pacioretty Is Early Extension Candidate For Maple Leafs

The Toronto Maple Leafs were in need of a top-6 left winger after Tyler Bertuzzi signed with the Chicago Blackhawks in free agency and Max Pacioretty was that fix. He was a late signing after a PTO, but has worked out thus far on a line with John Tavares.

With a cap hit as low as $873,770 AAV plus performance bonuses that will likely impact the team a small amount next season, the Maple Leafs are already getting more than they paid for. Pacioretty has two goals and five points in seven games and is fitting nicely on a line with John Tavares and William Nylander.

Tavares said, "He just really knows his game and how he can impact, and he's really smart," speaking about Pacioretty. When the sniper is healthy, he is still a very good NHL player that can produce. He's missed three games already this season, but for the sake of Toronto, will hopefully play the majority of the games. The team has a little bit to worry about in the regular season before focusing on winning in the playoffs this season.

While Pacioretty only scored four goals and recorded 23 points in 47 games with the Washington Capitals last season, he scored three goals in five games for the Carolina Hurricanes the season before that and 75 goals to go along with 154 points in 158 games in his final three seasons with the Vegas Golden Knights past the age of 30.

Pacioretty isn't the impact player he once was, but with the money the Maple Leafs have to allocate to their stars, the team needs players like this veteran to come in and have an impact for a cheaper price. Nic Robertson still isn't reaching his potential in the Maple Leafs' lineup and the second line left wing remains open for Pacioretty to continue to do his thing. Even if Pacioretty just signs for another year, it's looking like it will be more than worth it for Toronto.