Max Pacioretty of the Toronto Maple Leafs celebrated after scoring a goal against the Ottawa Senators during a pre-season game in Toronto on Sunday, September 22, 2024. The Maple Leafs announced on Monday that they had signed the experienced forward to a one-year contract. Pacioretty earned the spot on the team after joining training camp on a professional tryout.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have bolstered their roster by signing Max Pacioretty, the former Montreal Canadiens captain, to a one-year contract after a successful professional tryout. The 35-year-old forward brings significant experience, having accumulated 330 goals and 668 points over 902 career NHL games. Pacioretty, who last played for the Washington Capitals, will earn a base salary of $873,770 for the 2024-2025 season.
Pacioretty’s presence adds veteran leadership to the Leafs, as he was the 22nd overall pick in the 2007 NHL draft. He had an impressive stint with the Canadiens before moving to the Capitals, where he netted 4 goals and recorded 23 points in 47 games last season. In playoff action, he’s been equally productive, scoring 25 goals and 25 assists in 78 postseason games.
Steven Lorentz, another addition to Toronto’s roster, signed a one-year contract worth $775,000 after also completing a successful professional tryout. At 28, Lorentz joins the Leafs after winning the Stanley Cup with the Florida Panthers in June, bringing championship experience and depth to the team's lineup.
Toronto also made a future investment by extending defenceman Cade Webber's contract for two years. Webber, aged 23, signed a deal worth $825,000 per year that will begin in 2025-26. Initially structured as a two-way deal for the 2025-26 season, it becomes a one-way contract for the 2026-27 season, securing Webber's role in the Leafs’ defence.
In other moves announced on Monday, the Leafs placed forwards Connor Dewar and Fraser Minten on injured reserve due to upper and lower body injuries, respectively. The team also placed forward Calle Jarnkrok and defencemen Jani Hakanpaa and Dakota Mermis on long-term injured reserve. Goaltender Matt Murray and defenceman Marshall Rifai were loaned to the AHL's Toronto Marlies to ensure roster flexibility as the regular season nears.
The Leafs are also focusing on development, as they loaned junior-aged forward Easton Cowan to the OHL’s London Knights for additional experience. Additionally, former Leafs defenceman Jake Muzzin, who spent the last season as a pro scout, has transitioned to a new role in player development. This move solidifies the team's commitment to nurturing young talent and ensuring that the Leafs’ development staff continues to work on building a bright future.
With these signings and roster adjustments, the Maple Leafs look well-prepared to start the upcoming season with a balanced mix of veteran leadership and young talent.
