NHL Free Agency: Max Pacioretty Down to 2 Teams for Next Season

Max Pacioretty still needs a contract for next season.

The veteran winger has yet to sign a new deal, in a summer that's been busy, including coaching his son's summer hockey team. Pacioretty is coming off a bounce-back season in 2024-25, playing 37 games with the Toronto Maple Leafs, recording 13 points. While the regular season had it's ups and downs, Pacioretty was a impact player during the Stanley Cup Playoffs, posting eight points in 11 games.

What stood out the most for Pacioretty last season with the Leafs was the fact he's changed his game. He's no longer the prolific scoring winger he once was with the Montreal Canadiens, and Pacioretty understands his role and laid some heavy hits, and played with force in front of the net.

As far as next season goes, so far there's been no hints at retirement, and from all accounts, Pacioretty will sign a professional tryout agreement with either the Detroit Red Wings, which is nice and close to home and his family, or he'll head out west and sign with the Edmonton Oilers, and once again cause the Cup.

The Maple Leafs have a slew of new forwards so it doesn't feel like there's a match there anymore. Dakota Joshua was brought in, Nick Robertson was re-signed, and Bobby McMann is returning as well. There's also Scott Laughton and Matthew Knies who are on the left wing, so it's certainly a crowded forward group, and that doesn't include top prospect Easton Cowan.

Pacioretty showed last season he's far from finished. He can still keep up at his age, he's a physical presence at his size, and now he's willing to do whatever it takes to stay in the NHL, so keep tabs on the Red Wings and Oilers. Sounds like a decision could be coming very soon.

Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images