Maple Leafs remain interested in re-signing Max Pacioretty, Red Wings reportedly in the mix

Pacioretty appeared to hint at retirement during his end-of-year media availability on May 20, where he made it clear that being close to his family is a key priority.

“This year was very difficult for me, being away from my family, so I’m really excited just to get home and be with them, and talk to them about what’s next in life,” Pacioretty said during his end-of-year media availability. “But in terms of playing, that’s difficult to answer right now.”

Pacioretty starred for the University of Michigan in his lone season, recording 15 goals and 38 points in 36 games during the 2007-08 campaign before graduating to the Montreal Canadiens.

It’s clear that Pacioretty made a strong impression on Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube and he’d be welcomed back warmly by the organization if he reaches a new contract with the team.

“I think it goes back with his injuries and effort, commitment he put back to getting healthy,” Berube said of Pacioretty on May 7. “It’s showing now in my opinion that he’s very dedicated in that aspect. He didn’t want to go out that way. He’s fought his way back. He’s doing a great job now for us in a lot of areas of the game, not just the scoring. He’s played a pivotal role with the physicality, and how we want to play, with a heavy style of game. He’s been a good fit.”

It will be a busy few weeks for the Maple Leafs, as John Tavares and Matthew Knies both require new contracts while Mitch Marner is widely expected to sign with a new team, as the Vegas Golden Knights, Los Angeles Kings and Anaheim Ducks have been linked to the 28-year-old forward. Pacioretty can be deployed throughout the lineup in a second-to-fourth line role and it’ll be compelling to see if the Red Wings present a more attractive case for the veteran forward.