Report: Max Pacioretty likely to return to Maple Leafs

Max Pacioretty is reportedly leaning towards inking an extension with the Toronto Maple Leafs sometime before July 1st. According to The Athletic’s James Mirtle, who was at the NHL’s Scouting Combine in Buffalo, there is mutual interest on both sides to get a new contract signed.

“One piece of good news over the past few days is that UFA Max Pacioretty is leaning toward a return after the Leafs expressed considerable interest in keeping him following a terrific postseason, according to a league source,” Mirtle wrote.

This comes after Pacioretty hinted at retirement during his end-of-season media availability on May 20th, where he was noncommittal about his future and instead expressed a desire to spend time with his family. He did miss significant time due to injury, but stepped up in a major way during the playoffs while sharing a line with John Tavares and William Nylander. Pacioretty came through with some clutch moments, including the series winner against the Ottawa Senators and an insurance marker to force Game 7 against the Florida Panthers.

“Yeah, I’ve had a lot of conversations with people in my family and others, and I thought I was done playing a number of time,” he said to reporters after the Leafs won the Battle of Ontario on May 1. “And everyone always supported me to keep going. But my story is just one of many and it’s one that’s public, so it’s one that’s talked about, but a lot of resilient guys in this organization have been through a lot as well. So guys like that motivate me to keep going.”

Pacioretty produced 13 points (five goals and eight assists) in 37 games during an injury-plagued regular season, while adding eight points (three goals and five assists) in eight playoff games. His postseason tally had him placed fourth on the Leafs ahead of John Tavares, Matthew Knies, and Morgan Rielly. Pacioretty originally joined the team on PTO last September and earned a roster spot in training camp.

Pacioretty’s likely return will give Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving with one less thing to worry about while he focuses on reshaping the roster that fell short in Game 7 to the Panthers. Treliving promised there will be changes, and it’ll be compelling to see who will be returning alongside Pacioretty for the 2025-26 season.