As the NHL offseason rolls along, veteran forward Max Pacioretty is generating interest from multiple NHL teams, including the Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings. However, Arthur Staple of The Athletic (subscription required) suggests that the Calgary Flames could be a better fit for the 35-year-old forward.
Staple points out that Pacioretty is seeking to rebound from three challenging seasons and two Achilles tendon injuries. Several reports this week suggest he’s being talked about as a potential signing option. Since he’s not yet inked a deal with an NHL club this summer and the Flames are looking for cost-effective options to fill their roster, they might be wise to take a look.
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In 2023-24, Pacioretty only scored four goals in 47 games. That said, when healthy, he’s got a history of putting the puck in the net. His recent numbers aren’t great and he will need to prove he can still produce consistently. But, if he does, Staple believes Calgary might offer one of the best environments for Pacioretty to reclaim his scoring touch.
Unlike Toronto, which needs more two-way consistency in its forward group, and Detroit, which may be wary of adding another player over 30, Calgary could provide Pacioretty a more prominent offensive role.
What If Pacioretty Becomes A Solid Trade Asset?
I wrote yesterday that GM Craig Conroy is open to making trades with cap-strapped teams or adding players on PTOs to acquire sweeteners. It would make sense that Conroy might also be willing to gamble on players who could have valuable trade cache at the deadline. Pacioretty could be one of those guys.
In Calgary, Pacioretty could get the opportunity to play significant minutes, potentially making him a valuable asset for the Flames. If he performs well, Pacioretty could be flipped at the deadline to a contending team looking to add scoring depth.
This scenario offers a win-win situation for both Pacioretty and the Flames, allowing him to re-establish his NHL career while giving Calgary a potential boost in offense, even if only temporarily.
