Max Pacioretty gets special PTO treatment in Toronto!

Max Pacioretty is joining the Toronto Maple Leafs. And although he is signing a professional tryout agreement (PTO) with the Canadian franchisee, insider Chris Johnston warns fans they should expect the veteran forward to crack the roster and sign an official contract before the 2024-25 kicks off as his agent Allan Walsh claims his client will get a deal done.

The Maple Leafs made the official PTO announcement moments later.

Pacioretty appears to be getting special treatment as most professional tryout agreements only get the player an opportunity to earn a contract at the end of training camp. However, it almost seems written in stone that Pacioretty will join the Maple Leafs.

The reason behind the PTO at this time could be to allow the Maple Leafs and general manager Brad Treliving to make room on their cap to fit whatever they give Pacioretty.

It was recently reported how Toronto would need to make moves in order to get him under the cap. David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period even hinted at defenseman Connor Timmins to be the sacrificial lamb in the situation.

“The Maple Leafs currently have slightly over $1.275 million in salary cap space but could free up an additional $1.1 million by trading defenceman Conor Timmins, or the team could place him on waivers and if he clears then send him down to the AHL.”

In previous rumours, Pacioretty had also been linked to the Detroit Red Wings and potentially the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Pacioretty is coming off a season where he played just 47 games and scored 19 points. The former Montreal Canadiens’ captain has been on a string of bad luck, dealing with many injuries that have teams across the league wary of signing him.

However, it looks like the bad luck ends here, when it comes to getting a new deal for the upcoming season.