Rumours emerge hinting at feud between Max Pacioretty and Maple Leafs amid contract talks

A few weeks prior to the NHL’s Free Agency opening day, reports hinted at the possibility of veteran forward Max Pacioretty staying put in Toronto and re-signing with the Maple Leafs. 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.

However, rumours have now emerged that a feud may be at the center of why the Maple Leafs have yet to re-sign Pacioretty. The drama comes from the fact that Mitch Marner is now a member of the Golden Knights and that his interest in Vegas began well before free agency thanks to other players who play or have played for the Knights. Citing his conversations with Mark Stone and Adin Hill during the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament, Marner spoke openly about his early attraction to the Golden Knights’ culture, both on and off the ice.

But now, it is believed that perhaps Pacioretty also chatted with Marner about joining Vegas, and it has not gone down well with Maple Leafs’ management per Hockey Patrol. Especially since, around the March 7 deadline, Marner vetoed multiple trades while holding out for a perfect scenario in Vegas.

When Marner was finding out more about Vegas, his Maple Leafs were pushing through the end of the season with the hopes of a long playoff run, but the distractions were reportedly too much to handle.

As for Pacioretty and his future in Toronto, the Maple Leafs had expressed considerable interest in keeping him following a terrific postseason, but Pacioretty is 36 years old and his health has often been an issue throughout his career.

In the exit interviews back in May, Pacioretty did mentioned how he had trouble living apart from his family this season and would reassess his future once he returned home and spoke with them.

Reports have hinted at the possibility of Pacioretty of signing as a free agent in Detroit, making his way closer to home with the Red Wings. His family is settled down there and Pacioretty has been helping out coaching his son’s minor hockey team.

And maybe the Wings’ option has surfaced because Pacioretty isn’t as welcome as he once was in Toronto…