Max Pacioretty’s Return Would Be a Huge Maple Leafs Win

Veteran winger Max Pacioretty is leaning toward returning to the Toronto Maple Leafs. If the latest reports are accurate, it’s already one of the most encouraging developments of the team’s offseason.

According to James Mirtle of The Athletic, Pacioretty and the Maple Leafs are mutually interested in a new deal. He signed for the league minimum last September and was one of Toronto’s best players in the postseason. Despite an injury-plagued regular season, he scored eight points in 11 games. That’s not bad for a depth signing that many had written off.

Why Pacioretty’s Return Would Be Good News

In a summer filled with uncertainty—Mitch Marner trade speculation, a tight salary cap, and more roster changes ahead—bringing back a reliable veteran who has already earned the coach’s trust is a smart move. Pacioretty knows who he is now: a bottom-six forward with scoring touch, playoff poise, who plays with a chip on his shoulder.

Here are five reasons why his return would help:

Reason One: Cost Certainty: A one- or two-year deal at or near league minimum doesn’t complicate Toronto’s cap puzzle. It’s efficient business for a team that needs flexible depth.

Reason Two: Proven Postseason Scoring: Pacioretty’s eight playoff points weren’t just nice—they mattered. He was engaged, physical, and opportunistic. For a team that struggles to generate offense from outside its top stars, that’s huge.

Reason Three: Veteran Leadership: With a career spanning nearly 1,000 NHL games, including years as captain of the Montreal Canadiens, Pacioretty brings quiet leadership to a locker room that may soon be without several long-tenured voices.

Reason Four: Low Risk, High Character: There’s no illusion here that Pacioretty will be a 30-goal scorer again. But if he stays healthy and can give the team 40–50 games of responsible, tough hockey—and elevate again in the playoffs—that’s a tremendous return on investment.

Reason Five: A Class Act: In Pacioretty, the Maple Leafs are getting a class act. He really is one of the good guys. You can tell by how he talks to the media and handles himself, no matter what happens. He’s added value to the team’s character.