The Toronto Maple Leafs might be in for yet another dramatic turn of events in the NHL offseason. Auston Matthews and company continue to deal with Mitch Marner’s departure. Meanwhile, Patrick Kane and the Detroit Red Wings could be ready to pounce on one former teammate of the Buds.
The Red Wings may not be under as much distress as the Maple Leafs going into the 2025-26 NHL season, but it isn’t exactly fair weather in Detroit, either. Obviously, Matthews and the Leafs are in over their heads, but Kane and company aren’t much better off.
Detroit is urged to snap its playoff-drought. Still, it seems to be missing a key piece to finally end the hex. On that note, Max Pacioretty could be a veteran leader the Red Wings have great use for. However, acquiring the former Leafs‘ forward won’t precisely be an easy task.
The unrestricted free agent is still studying his cards, waiting before making a serious commitment. Reports suggest a return to Toronto alongside Matthews is the most reasonable option. Yet, Pacioretty could embark for new horizons, and Detroit might make an awful lot of sense.
Max Pacioretty #67 of the Toronto Maple Leafs waits for a puck drop against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the 2nd period in an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
“Pacioretty makes his off-season home in Michigan and played his college hockey with the [Michigan] Wolverines,” as stated by The Hockey News’ Michael Augello. “His family remained there while he played in Toronto, and being away from them was a big factor in his hinting towards retirement immediately after the season.
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Not a part of the Yzerplan
While it would certainly make for a full-circle moment for Pacioretty and his family, a stint in Motor City might be more of a utopia than a reality. As it stands, Detroit executive vice president and general manager Steve Yzerman doesn’t appear to be pursuing the NHL veteran.
“It is likely that in a perfect world, he would want to sign with the Wings, who are desperate to snap a long playoff drought, but there are no strong indicators that GM Steve Yzerman has interest.“
Auston Matthews #34 of the Toronto Maple Leafs speaks to the press during Media Day for the 2020 NHL All-Star at Stifel Theatre on January 23, 2020 in St Louis, Missouri.
In or out?
In addition to Yzerman’s reported skepticism about Pacioretty, the latter has yet to reach a decision on his future. He’s hinted several times during the past season that it might be his last one in the NHL. Now, the forward is clearly taking his sweet time to decide what’s best for him and his family.
SurveyIf Pacioretty decides to play another year, where should he sign?
If Pacioretty decides to play another year, where should he sign?
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The possibility of last year’s cycle repeating itself can’t be ruled out, either. Ahead of last season’s training camp, Pacioretty signed a professional tryout contract (PTO) with the Leafs. Perhaps the 36-year-old opts for the same approach this time around. Whether that happens back in The Six or elsewhere remains to be seen.
