The Toronto Maple Leafs are finalists to sign former captain and fan favourite of heated rival Montreal Canadiens Max Pacioretty; according to Leafs reporter.
With multiple reports about Toronto wanting to add some winger depth, including Elliotte Friedman's '32 Thought's' article; a new report suggests they've found themselves in the running to sign former Montreal Canadiens captain Max Pacioretty according to Leafs Morning Take host Nick Alberga:
Toronto could use the veteran winger who is coming off a down year and has struggled with injuries in the past. Pacioretty however is now healthy and is looking to rebound back and is only a few season removed from a 30+ goal season for the Vegas Golden Knights.
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Alberga isn't the only one who is hearing the rumblings of 'Patches' in Toronto, as NHL Network analyst David Pagnotta also mentioned Toronto in the mix for Pacioretty
if the Maple Leafs were to sign him, it would be through a normal player contract as opposed to a PTO where the Leafs would assess if they want to sign him; though clearly they are confident in his ability to bounce back. Pacioretty, a 6-time 30+ goal scorer is the former captain of Original Six rival Montreal Canadiens; a position he held for 3 seasons before heading to Vegas.
Once in Sin City, he put together a stellar four seasons, where he registered 97 goals and 97 assists for 194 points in 224 games and had 15 goals and 15 assists in 36 playoff games for Vegas. His level of consistency is evident, and with a healthy Pacioretty he could easily slide into a 3rd line role with former Canadiens forward Max Domi and bring his game back to form.
One thing is for certain, not only would it be a bit of a jab at an old time rival, but fans seem to also relish in the hopes that Max is a Maple Leaf this season.
