The competition to sign veteran forward Max Pacioretty, one of the greatest available free agents, is heating up, with the Detroit Red Wings joining the fray and considered favorites to land him, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs. On August 29, The Athletic’s Arthur Staple reported that Detroit is a “suitor” for Pacioretty, and the Red Wings are “interested in adding” the former Canadiens superstar
The Wings have joined Toronto in what is turning up to be a fierce fight for the former Montreal Canadiens captain. However, the potential deals offered to the veteran differ significantly depending on the club.
According to sources, the Maple Leafs are one of several teams interested in signing veteran UFA forward Max Pacioretty.
Insider David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period corroborated Nick Alberga’s claim on the Leafs’ interest in Pacioretty, adding that the Leafs’ offer would be a standard players’ contract (SPC) rather than a professional try-out (PTO) deal “if they agree to terms.” The Wings, on the other hand, may contemplate offering Pacioretty merely a PTO deal, which does not guarantee him a spot on the final regular-season roster for the 2024-25 season. To make the roster, the veteran must prove his worth during training camp and then sign a regular deal.
Pacioretty played for the Washington Capitals past season, but was limited to 47 games due to injury. Despite this, he had four goals and 23 points for the Capitals. He also appeared in four postseason games, recording one point (an assist). The 35-year-old forward captained the Canadiens during his ten years with the Habs, and he should come in cheap. He earned $2 million on a one-year deal last season.
