Insider confirms Max Pacioretty's future with the Toronto Maple Leafs
It looks like veteran forward Max Pacioretty will indeed be playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs this season per reports.
The Maple Leafs signed Pacioretty to a professional tryout (PTO) last month & he has exceeded expectations with a strong training camp. Pacioretty scored three points including two goals in his first preseason game & followed it up with two more assists which gives him five points overall. His performance has impressed the Leafs management enough that he is expected to sign a one year contract likely for the league minimum as reported by team insider Nick Alberga.
The contract is expected to be finalized after the team's last preseason game against the Detroit Red Wings.
Pacioretty who has had a history of injuries likely would have signed a contract earlier if not for concerns about his health. He has only played a full 82 game season once in his 16 year career & he most recently dealt with a torn ACL while playing for the Washington Capitals returning to play 47 games. Now 35 Pacioretty is excited about the opportunity to play for the Leafs, and he's praised his new teammates, calling them the "hardest-working" group he has ever been part of.
Pacioretty isn't the only player the Leafs brought in on a PTO this summer. The team also signed Steven Lorentz former Florida Panthers forward on a similar deal. According to Sportsnet's Luke Fox Lorentz has also secured a contract after a strong preseason. With both Pacioretty and Lorentz now set to join the team the Leafs have solidified their left wing depth behind Matthew Knies & Max Domi. This should set them up well for a strong season.
