Max Pacioretty's NHL career appears to be over

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Max Pacioretty is facing the reality that his NHL career may be over. 

The veteran forward met with the media today for perhaps the last time following the Leafs' season ending Game 7 loss to the Florida Panthers on Sunday evening.

When asked if he plans on playing next season, Pacioretty wouldn't commit and instead spoke about how difficult it has been to be away from his family:

"You probably don't realize when you're in it or when you're younger, but it's a privilege to have this many people care about how we do.... It kinda builds winners and turns you into men and helps you achieve who you're ultimately trying to become."

- Max Pacioretty

If this is indeed the end of the road for Pacioretty, he'll end his career with 335 goals and 681 points in 939 career games split between the Leafs, Washington Capitals, Carolina Hurricanes, Vegas Golden Knights and Montreal Canadiens.

Read below for our earlier reports on fellow Leafs pending UFAs Mitch Marner and John Tavares.

It sounds like Mitch Marner is DONE with the Toronto Maple Leafs, even if head coach Craig Berube wants him back.

Berube met with the media this morning following the Leafs' season ending loss to the Florida Panthers in Game 7 on Sunday night. When asked about the futures of pending unrestricted free agents Marner and John Tavares, Berube expressed that he'd like both players back on new contracts next season.

Meanwhile, if you read between the lines, it doesn't sound like Marner is terribly interested in remaining with his hometown team.

When asked this morning about a potential return to Toronto, Marner wouldn't commit.

“I’ve always loved my time here… I haven’t processed anything yet.”

“It’s so fresh. It’s tough to anything right now, future wise. I was hoping to be playing hockey right now… I’ll sit down with my wife and decide (next steps) in the coming weeks.”

- Mitch Marner

Does that sound like a guy who is keen to re-up with his team?

The pending unrestricted free agent likely played his final game as a member of the Leafs Sunday night in a lacklustre Game 7 in which Marner went pointless with just two shots on goal. It was yet another disappointing Game 7 for Marner, despite his protestations for his teammates to "WAKE THE F*** UP!"

Marner would give the puck up, leading to a Panthers goal on the very next shift, by the way...

After the game a dejected and depressed Marner reflected on his time with his hometown team, making it fairly clear that his time in Toronto has come to an end. I mean... just listen to him yourself:

When asked if he would like to return to the Leafs, all Marner had to say was, "Yeah, we'll see what happens," while shaking his head the entire time.

Again, does this seem like a player who is committed to his team?

He's already talking about the Leafs in the past tense:

“It meant everything,” he said. “(They) took maybe a risky pick on a small kid from Toronto and I’ve been forever grateful to be able to wear this Maple Leaf, and be a part of some of the great legends here and be able to wear this jersey.

“So never taken a day for granted, and I always loved it.”

Yep... he's done. I'd be shocked if he returns to Toronto next season.

Meanwhile Tavares is singing a bit of a different tune. He told reporters today that he's hopeful a deal can be made after discussions with both Berube and GM Brad Treliving.

Tavares' contract with the Leafs expires this offseason and there's was speculation that he would not be retained by management after seven seasons with his hometown team. An emotional Tavares was asked on Sunday evening about the possibility of moving on and what it meant for him to represent the Leafs during his tenure, that's when he made it clear that he would like an opportunity to remain with the club for next season.

Check it out:

While I feel for Tavares, personally I don't see how they can bring him back next season. To me, there's more value in turning the page and moving on from the Tavares era than anything Tavares could bring on the ice. 

Still... it sounds like the team is open to his return.

When you look back at the Leafs under Tavares, they've mostly been a disappointment. Looking back at things it's easy to see where the trajectory of things changed. Former GM Kyle Dubas elected to chase after Tavares at $11 million per season while walking away from Nazem Kadri at $4.5 million per season. Kadri was the heart and soul of the Leafs at the time and went on to be a very effective player for the Colorado Avalanche during their 2022 Stanley Cup run. To me, this decision was the largest mistake made by Dubas and Leafs President Brendan Shanahan. It's time to move on from that mistake and move forward with new leadership in place if this team hopes to shed the mistakes of the past.

Thoughts, Leafs fans? Would you welcome JT back on a team-friendly contract? Or should the Leafs leave the past in the past?