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Oilers Urged to Pursue Maple Leafs Free Agent to Bolster Forward Depth

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Jul 22, 2025 8:52 AM ET

The Edmonton Oilers are still in search of forward depth following a few offseason departures and a second consecutive Stanley Cup Final loss.

NHL analyst David Staples believes there’s one free agent who fits the bill perfectly—if the team can convince him to come west—to replace the now-gone Corey Perry.

Staples, writing for the Edmonton Journal, built a case for the Oilers to try and sign Toronto Maple Leafs free-agent forward Max Pacioretty, one of the few veteran players still available in the open market.

"All of the top NHL unrestricted free agents have already signed contracts, but there’s one big name player still available that makes good sense for the Edmonton Oilers to pursue," Staples wrote. "This doesn’t mean this veteran NHL forward will sign with the Oilers."

Big name Toronto winger makes sense to take Corey Perry's old job on Oilers https://t.co/ee9NbS1zOH pic.twitter.com/9vS87dYE8C
— Edmonton Journal (@edmontonjournal) July 21, 2025

That player is Pacioretty, who finished last season with the Maple Leafs after completing a one-year deal in Toronto.

"His skillset — think Corey Perry, only far more physical — fits with what Edmonton needs and would provide said free agent forward, Max Pacioretty, with a solid chance of winning his first Stanley Cup," Staples wrote.

With forwards Perry, Evander Kane, Dylan Holloway, and Warren Foegele all gone from the Oilers’ lineup, Staples said the 36-year-old would bring toughness and scoring depth to a playoff-caliber roster.

Still, Staples acknowledged that a deal is unlikely because of Pacioretty's preference to stay in the East rather than moving West.

“It seems most likely that if Pacioretty does play, Toronto or Detroit or some other eastern team will sign him,” Staples wrote.

Pacioretty, who posted 13 points in 37 games and added eight more in 11 playoff appearances last season, said after the season he wasn’t ready to commit.

“This year was very difficult for me, being away from my family,” Pacioretty said on May 20. “I’m really excited to just get home and be with them, and talk to them about what’s next in life.”

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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