Max Pacioretty linked to another Canadian team after stalled talks with Toronto

Veteran forward Max Pacioretty remains a free agent, but fans had been expecting him to re-sign with the Toronto Maple Leafs this summer. But market has since opened and there are no news on Pacioretty and a possible re-signing in Toronto. It was also reported that the veteran forward remains surveying his options — including retirement.

Reports also hinted that Pacioretty and the Maple Leafs may have had a falling out, after it was rumoured that the veteran forward could have helped Mitch Marner make a decision about choosing the Vegas Golden Knights, leading to a sign and trade earlier this offseason.

The reality might however be that Pacioretty is considering different options around the NHL. Not only was he recently linked to the Detroit Red Wings, seeing that his family is settled down there and Pacioretty has been helping out coaching his son’s minor hockey team, but now another NHL team might have entered the mix.

According to David Staples of the Edmonton Journal, the Oilers could consider signing Pacioretty as a replacement for departed veteran winger Corey Perry.

“I’m not an insider telling you the Oilers are keen on him or he’s keen on the Oilers. But in looking at what Edmonton now needs, having lost power forwards Evander Kane and Dylan Holloway in the past two years, as well as aggressive forwards Warren Foegele, Corey Perry, Connor Brown and Viktor Arvidsson — Pacioretty would might well be an excellent fit here, especially come playoff time,” wrote Staples.

Pacioretty is 36 years old and his health has often been an issue throughout his career, but he could be an effective power forward in small doses, and his leadership in the dressing room would certainly be beneficial in Edmonton.

The Maple Leafs might have left the door open for Pacioretty’s return, but the veteran forward may be getting a more interesting call for the Oilers who could sign him for an affordable price if money makes sense all around.

Let’s see where this goes.