The Toronto Maple Leafs have bolstered their roster this offseason in the hopes of a long playoff run. They’ve added pieces at all positions, and have taken bets on players who they feel can provide value above their contract. It’s classic Brad Treliving, and it’s a refreshing approach.
One such player is former Montreal Canadiens superstar, Max Pacioretty. He’s had an extensive injury history the past few seasons, unable to string together very many games, but looks to be back to 100%.
He’s currently attending the Leafs’ training camp on a PTO, but recent reports suggest that the PTO is just for show, and that Pacioretty has a contract in place with the Leafs already.
He’s on a PTO?… It’s not a PTO
On the latest episode of 32 Thoughts with Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, he reported that in discussions with his contacts around the league, it appears that Pacioretty’s PTO is in name only.
I started asking around. He’s on a PTO?… It’s not a PTO. I think there’s a deal there. I’m now more convinced than ever after watching Pacioretty and the look on his face. It’s not a PTO. He has a deal.
What my theory is, is that they’re going to see where their roster is and they’re going to give him a salary that works their cap.
I think this is a PTO in name only, and if there was any doubt about it, he had a three-point night, and the way he was looking at the questions on Friday it absolutely convinced me that it’s just a matter of plugging in the number to help the Leafs figure out what cap space is necessary.
This has been speculated all over the place even before Pacioretty signing the PTO with the Leafs. But to hear that he’s essentially already penciled in on the opening night lineup is brand new information.
Low risk, high reward
If Pacioretty can get anywhere close to what he was in Montreal all those years ago, or even with the Vegas Golden Knights more recently, this could end up being one of the most underrated signings of the offseason.
Over his entire career, Pacioretty averages 30 goals, 31 assists, and 61 points over an 82 game pace. He’s generally been the go-to guy on his line, too, so imagine what he could potentially do in the Leafs’ top-six and top powerplay unit, should he get the opportunity to do so.
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