Max Pacioretty Hit With a Harsh Reality Amid NHL Comeback Hopes
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Free agent forward Max Pacioretty is contemplating returning to the NHL; however, with the Toronto Maple Leafs filling out the roster, it is unclear what will happen.
Last season, Max Pacioretty was an elder statesman on the Toronto Maple Leafs, and despite injuries, did a great job in the postseason.
Now, he is a free agent and it remains to be seen whether or not he is actually going to play for the Toronto Maple Leafs next season.
Some interest has been expressed by both sides, although it feels like it is a lot likelier that Pacioretty goes to a team like the Detroit Red Wings.
Max Pacioretty and his plan to return to the NHL
Unfortunately, the forward is being hit with a brutal truth about his worth. This truth comes from reporter Brennan McClain.
In a new piece, McClain explains how Pacioretty is older, injury prone, and therefore, shouldn't even be paid $1 million per season.
Per Brennan McClain:
Although he doesn't know where he's playing yet, Pacioretty should know exactly what kind of contract he's getting.
Due to the consistent injury concern, Pacioretty should only receive a one-year deal with a salary between $775K and $850K.
The signing team could include a handful of games played bonuses, as did the Maple Leafs, but those may not even be required to give Pacioretty another chance to close out his career on a positive note.
Due to the consistent injury concern, Pacioretty should only receive a one-year deal with a salary between $775K and $850K.
The signing team could include a handful of games played bonuses, as did the Maple Leafs, but those may not even be required to give Pacioretty another chance to close out his career on a positive note.
There are plenty of teams out there who could use a veteran presence, but it remains to be seen whether or not those teams are going to bite.
At this stage, Pacioretty is just going to have to wait and see, and perhaps just sign a PTO closer to training camp.
For now, we remain in the NHL dead season, and we don't expect many updates between now and the next couple of weeks.
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