Maple Leafs: 3 Possible Landing Spots For Max Pacioretty

Max Pacioretty really put together a strong performance in the two rounds of the playoffs this season for the Toronto Maple Leafs. He is going to get a 1-2 year contract this offseason to likely play in the middle-six somewhere. If health permits, he is going to contribute to his next team.

Pacioretty put together three goals and eight points in 11 games for the Maple Leafs through the first two rounds this year and he only averaged 12:51 of ice time per game with 10 total minutes on the power play. While the core four struggled again, he was someone who needed to step up and did. Here's a look at some teams who could sign him as a free agent this summer.

Columbus Blue Jackets

The Columbus Blue Jackets will be looking to spend some money and have a number of holes to fill in their bottom-6. There aren't too many veterans on the team and he wouldn't cost a ton, even though it wouldn't matter much for 1-2 years. When healthy, Pacioretty can score and injuries hurt the Blue Jackets this season. Having another body and someone who also knows what it takes to get to the playoffs would be a good addition.

Dallas Stars

The Dallas Stars will see Jamie Benn, Matt Duchene, Mikael Granlund, and Evgenii Dadonov all become free agents and I can't see more than two of them returning. This creates larger shoes to fill and veteran presences removed from the roster. Pacioretty can fit in on the third line nicely and make up for some of that lost leadership. In Dallas' case, they will be looking for some bargains as Mikko Rantanen, Wyatt Johnston, Jake Oettinger, and Esa Lindell's contracts will all be kicking in.

Vegas Golden Knights

The Vegas Golden Knights are always looking for players to step up and perform, or they're moved on from. Pacioretty was great for them when he was there, but wouldn't have to be one of the stars of the team this time around if the Golden Knights bring him back short-term. There's a chance Vegas loses multiple depth pieces like Reilly Smith, Tanner Pearson, Victor Olofsson, and Brandon Saad. And like the Stars, the Golden Knights will be looking for value contracts like what Pacioretty will probably sign. He also wants to win and Vegas has proven they are winners with a Stanley Cup two years ago.