September 3, 2024 | 7:07PM ET
TheFourthPeriod.com

LEAFS, WINGS REMAIN IN PURSUIT OF PACIORETTY

Max Pacioretty, left wing

Unrestricted free agent left wing Max Pacioretty continues to weigh his options and has generated interest from multiple clubs as he remains on the open market.

The veteran forward has been riddled with injuries the last few seasons, playing in just 47 games with the Washington Capitals last season after signing a one-year, $2 million contract with the club.

As TFP’s David Pagnotta reported a week ago on NHL Network, the Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings are among the teams that have expressed varying degrees of interest in Pacioretty.

The Maple Leafs currently have slightly over $1.275 million in salary cap space but could free up an additional $1.1 million by trading defenceman Conor Timmins, or the team could place him on waivers and if he clears then send him down to the AHL.

The Red Wings have just over $17.648 million in cap space, but still need to sign restricted free agent forwards Lucas Raymond and Jonatan Berggren and defenceman Mo Seider, and once locked into new deals, Detroit will have very little cap space to play with.

It is unclear what type of money Pacioretty is looking for on a presumed one-year contract, but his next deal could include games played bonuses much like his previous deal with the Capitals.

Pacioretty, 35, picked up four goals and 19 assists for 23 points in 47 games last season with Washington.