Why the Toronto Maple Leafs signing Max Pacioretty is a mistake
A few days ago, the Toronto Maple Leafs signed veteran forward Max Pacioretty to a Professional TryOut (PTO) in hopes to fill out some depth at wing.
While this has many fans and analysts excited for what could happen, I on the other hand find this news to be an absolute mistake. Treliving has made some pretty good signings in his tenure with the Toronto Maple Leafs, however, if the team does decide to sign him to a contract, it would be detrimental to the teams success.
Look, I get it. It’s Max Pacioretty. the same Max Pacioretty that saw plenty of success throughout the 2010’s with the Vegas Golden Knights and the Montreal Canadiens. The past two seasons though, Pacioretty hasn’t played to that caliber.
Whether it was through injury or load management, it is noticeable that Pacioretty is physically slowing down and unable to keep the pace. It was just two seasons ago that Carolina too a chance on him and Pacioretty suited up in only five games for the team. Despite this, the Capitals gave him a chance last year where he produced 4 goals and 19 assists in 47 games.
Why the Toronto Maple Leafs signing Max Pacioretty is a mistake
I was hoping the news wasn’t true and that this was all fan speculation. After he was signed (to a PTO), I elected to give it some time to digest. Maybe he will produce 30 goals and the Leafs got a steal. Maybe he’ll help add that extra layer of leadership since he was a Captain in Montreal. Maybe he will help bring veteran presence to a team that is looking to make a deep run in the playoffs. Maybe, maybe, maybe.
We as fans have seen this before. The Leafs sign a veteran guy, that veteran guy hangs out with the stars and plays okay but at the end of the day, they really don’t contribute to the success of the team as a whole, but they do take minutes from the team's younger players. Marleau, Thornton, Foligno, Reaves, Simmonds. The list goes on, and on, and on. The Leafs want to sign someone for the name and number on the back of a jersey and not for the betterment of the on-ice product.
Instead, open up roster space for our youth the showcase their talent. We just re-signed Nick Robertson, let’s roll with him and see what he can do. We have Cowan and Minten lighting up the Prospect Showdown, let’s see if they can take on that extra responsibility. This season, especially the first few games of it, should be time to experiment for Berube and management. The same formula isn’t working so they have to change it or they’ll get the same result.
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Signing a 35-year-old Max Pacioretty could be a high-risk move for the Toronto Maple Leafs. I understand that Pacioretty’s name still carries weight but the Leafs need to prioritize durability and future potential. The risks associated with his age and injury history outweigh the potential reward, making this a move they should avoid.