Max Pacioretty has officially signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The experienced player, who has participated in 902 NHL games, inked a one-year contract worth $1.5 million on Monday, just two days prior to the start of the Leafs’ season. This signing comes as he strives to recover from several surgeries on his Achilles tendon.
The new contract for Pacioretty features a low base salary of $873,770, coupled with performance bonuses that total $626,230, bringing the contract’s value to $1.5 million under the age 35-plus contract guidelines. A similar structure was in place last season with the Washington Capitals, where he earned $2 million after playing more than 20 games.
The benefit for the Leafs is that the bonuses only impact the salary cap once they are achieved. Additionally, if these bonuses push Toronto over the cap at the season’s end, they can be carried over to next season. For the moment, Pacioretty’s base salary is the only figure counting against the cap, providing the team with some much-needed flexibility.
Pacioretty participated in Leafs training camp under a professional tryout agreement, but the terms of his current contract were set during the summer before his arrival in Toronto. Throughout most of camp, he played on a third line alongside John Tavares and Nick Robertson.
Alongside Pacioretty, the Leafs also signed forward Steven Lorentz to a one-year contract at the league minimum of $775,000 on Monday. They further extended the contract of defenseman prospect Cade Webber for an additional two years at $825,000 per season.
Pacioretty ended the preseason tied for the Leafs’ scoring lead with two goals and three assists. Lorentz secured a spot on a robust fourth line with David Kampf and Ryan Reaves after winning the Stanley Cup with the Florida Panthers last season.
For Pacioretty, this contract signifies a step in a challenging comeback journey. The 35-year-old has participated in merely 91 games over the past three seasons due to injuries, contributing only four goals in 47 games with the Capitals last year.
Before the 2022-23 season, Pacioretty was known as one of the league’s dependable goal scorers, netting a total of 303 goals over his previous 11 seasons, which ranked him seventh among all NHL players.
Whether he can still deliver a significant scoring contribution is uncertain, but the Leafs are in need of extra help on the wing, especially after losing Tyler Bertuzzi to free agency in the offseason and having few wingers with proven scoring abilities beyond Mitch Marner and William Nylander.
The Leafs also put goaltender Matt Murray and defenseman Marshall Rifai on waivers on Sunday to comply with the $88 million salary cap and the 23-player roster limit.
As they commence the season, the Leafs are operating with $4.3 million in additional spending above the cap. They placed three players on long-term injured reserve (Calle Jarnkrok at $2 million, Jani Hakanpaa at $1.47 million, and Dakota Mermis at $775,000) along with one on regular injured reserve (Connor Dewar at $1.18 million) in order to meticulously position themselves within $1 of the limit ahead of Monday’s 5 p.m. roster deadline.
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(Photo: Dan Hamilton / Imagn Images)
Max Pacioretty Signs with Toronto Maple Leafs: A Veteran’s Comeback Journey Begins
The Signing Details
Max Pacioretty, the seasoned NHL forward, has officially signed a one-year contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs. The contract carries an annual average value of $873,770, marking a significant step in Pacioretty’s career as he aims to revitalize his performance after a challenging season with the Washington Capitals, where he played 47 games [[1](https://www.nhl.com/mapleleafs/news/maple-leafs-sign-three-players-x1055)].
A Look at Pacioretty’s Career
Pacioretty, who has been a prominent figure in the NHL since being drafted in 2007, has accumulated numerous accolades throughout his career. Here’s a brief overview of his journey:
| Season | Team | Goals | Assists | Points</th |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013-14 | Montreal Canadiens | 39 | 32 | 71 |
| 2015-16 | Montreal Canadiens | 30 | 36 | 66 |
| 2017-18 | Vegas Golden Knights | 22 | 19 | 41 |
| 2021-22 | Carolina Hurricanes | 15 | 14 | 29 |
With a reputation for his scoring ability and leadership, Pacioretty has been an integral part of each team’s success, contributing significantly during playoff runs and regular seasons alike. His experience and skill set will be a valuable asset to the Maple Leafs as they aspire for a deep playoff push this season.
Pacioretty’s Comeback Journey
After facing injuries that affected his performance in recent years, Pacioretty’s signing with the Maple Leafs symbolizes a new chapter in his career. Here are the key factors contributing to his comeback journey:
1. Health and Fitness
Adopting a rigorous fitness regimen is crucial for Pacioretty to regain his pre-injury form. His commitment to physical conditioning will be vital in ensuring he can withstand the demands of the NHL season.
2. Role on the Team
Pacioretty is expected to play a pivotal role in bolstering the Maple Leafs’ offensive lineup. His experience will be essential in mentoring younger players and providing leadership on and off the ice.
3. Motivation to Succeed
Having faced setbacks, Pacioretty is motivated to prove that he can still perform at a high level. This desire to bounce back will fuel his performance and could inspire his teammates as well.
Benefits of Pacioretty’s Signing for the Maple Leafs
The addition of Max Pacioretty brings several benefits to the Toronto Maple Leafs:
- Veteran Leadership: Pacioretty’s experience in high-pressure situations can help guide younger players during critical moments in games.
- Scoring Threat: With a proven track record of goal-scoring, he adds depth to the offensive lineup, making the team more formidable against opponents.
- Playoff Experience: Having played in multiple playoff series, his insights and strategies can be invaluable during the postseason.
- Team Chemistry: Integrating a player of Pacioretty’s caliber can enhance team dynamics, fostering a cooperative environment.
Practical Tips for Fans Following Pacioretty’s Journey
As fans look forward to watching Pacioretty in action, here are some practical tips for staying engaged:
1. Follow Team Updates
Stay updated with the latest news from the Maple Leafs through official channels such as their website and social media. This will provide insights into Pacioretty’s performance and any milestones he achieves.
2. Attend Games
If you have the opportunity, attending games can be a great way to support Pacioretty and the team. Live games offer an exhilarating experience, allowing fans to witness the action first-hand.
3. Engage with Community
Participating in fan forums and social media groups dedicated to the Maple Leafs can enhance your experience. Sharing opinions and insights with fellow fans creates a community bond.
Case Studies of Comeback Success Stories in the NHL
Pacioretty isn’t the first veteran player to navigate through challenges and achieve a successful comeback. Here are a couple of notable examples:
1. Jonathan Quick
After struggling with injuries and inconsistent performances, Quick returned to form and led the Los Angeles Kings to a playoff berth in 2020. His determination and resilience highlighted the importance of mental strength in overcoming adversity.
2. Marc-Andre Fleury
Fleury experienced ups and downs throughout his career but rebounded spectacularly with the Las Vegas Golden Knights, earning the Vezina Trophy in 2021. His journey underscores how adaptability and perseverance can lead to success.
First-Hand Experience from Pacioretty
In interviews, Pacioretty has shared his commitment to returning to elite performance levels. He emphasizes the importance of mental resilience and the support of teammates and family throughout his journey. Here’s what he has mentioned:
– “Every setback is an opportunity for a comeback. I’m focused and ready to contribute.”
– “The Maple Leafs have a great team culture, and I’m excited to be part of it.”
These sentiments reflect Pacioretty’s readiness to embrace the challenges ahead, further energizing fans and teammates alike.
Conclusion
Max Pacioretty’s signing with the Toronto Maple Leafs not only marks a new chapter in his career but also brings a wealth of experience and potential to the team. His comeback journey will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, as he aims to make a significant impact in the upcoming season. With his leadership, scoring ability, and determination, Pacioretty is positioned to help the Maple Leafs pursue their playoff aspirations, making this an exciting time for Toronto hockey fans.
