Max Pacioretty's Future With the Toronto Maple Leafs Likely Confirmed

The Toronto Maple Leafs are reportedly close to re-signing veteran Max Pacioretty, the former captain of the divisional foe Montreal Canadiens, who is coming off his 1st year with the Maple Leafs.

The Toronto Maple Leafs took a chance on veteran forward Max Pacioretty, who had previously been devastated by a pair of debilitating Achilles injuries during his brief tenure with the Carolina Hurricanes.

Pacioretty, the former captain of the divisional foe Montreal Canadiens, signed a 1-year deal with the Maple Leafs after successfully completing a Professional Tryout. He played in 37 games during the regular season, scoring 13 points (5G, 8A).

And it looks as though he's close to signing another contract with the Maple Leafs per a new report from James Mirtle of The Athletic.

One piece of good news over the past few days is that UFA Max Pacioretty is leaning toward a return after the Leafs expressed considerable interest in keeping him following a terrific postseason, according to a league source. And the Leafs remain confident they will get Matthew Knies inked to a reasonable second contract without any offer-sheet drama.

During the postseason, his veteran experience came through as he scored the GWG in Game 6 of the ECQF against the Ottawa Senators, helping them win just their 2nd postseason series in the last 21 years.