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Max Pacioretty's Toronto Maple Leafs contract contains a salary cap loophole

Originally posted on Hockey Unplugged | By Axel Williams | Last updated Oct 7, 2024 12:48 PM ET

Max Pacioretty was signed to a PTO by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the offseason and it led to a whole lot of speculation about whether or not he would get a roster spot.

Well, after a solid preseason, the Maple Leafs have rewarded Pacioretty with a contract. In fact, it was recently revealed that Steven Lorentz would also get a contract. Of course, Lorentz just came off of a Stanley Cup-winning season with the Florida Panthers. While he didn't exactly contribute a whole lot, he still has a ring.

According to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, the Pacioretty deal is an interesting one. He will make over $800K this year. Meanwhile, he also has games played bonuses that could exceed $600K. However, this will circumvent this year's salary cap and will only count next season.

'One-year deals in Toronto:
Max Pacioretty comes in at $873,770
Steven Lorentz at $775K
Pacioretty also has games-played bonuses which could reach $600K. Those would count against next year's cap

Toronto squeezing to maximize its space'

Needless to say, the Leafs are doing everything to make sure they can have the best roster possible without going over the salary cap. That is going to be easier said than done but it seems like for now, they are in the clear.

Source: Elliotte Friedman
Max Pacioretty and Steven Lorentz sign with the Toronto Maple Leafs

This article first appeared on Hockey Unplugged and was syndicated with permission.

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