Max Pacioretty’s future with the Toronto Maple Leafs is close to being finalized after an impressive preseason under a professional tryout (PTO) contract.
The veteran winger signed the PTO during the offseason and made a strong case for a standard contract, recording five points (three goals, two assists) in his first two preseason games. Staying injury-free throughout training camp has further solidified his position, and it appears likely that Pacioretty will secure a one-year deal with the Leafs.
According to Nick Alberga from The Leafs Nation, Pacioretty is expected to sign the contract on Sunday. “As expected, Max Pacioretty will be signing a one-year deal with the Maple Leafs,” Alberga reported on X. The deal is anticipated to be for the league minimum and will likely be finalized after Toronto’s last preseason game against the Detroit Red Wings, just in time for their season opener on October 9 against the Montreal Canadiens.
Max Pacioretty, who has dealt with injuries throughout his 16-year NHL career, is recovering from a torn ACL but managed to play 47 games for the Washington Capitals last season. Now, as he nears a one-year deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs, the team faces some roster challenges.
Toronto is currently over the salary cap by more than $1 million and has the maximum 23 players on their roster. To accommodate Pacioretty’s signing, the Leafs will need to make some roster adjustments, likely by sending players to their AHL affiliate, the Toronto Marlies, or by making a trade to free up cap space.
One potential move, according to weekend reports, is that defenseman Timothy Liljegren could be the player on the move to create the necessary cap relief.
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