Analysts Link One Specific Canadian Team to Max Pacioretty
Photo credit: NHL.com
Several NHL analysts seem to be in agreement that the Edmonton Oilers would be the perfect fit for former Maple Leafs player Max Pacioretty in free agency.
The Edmonton Oilers have made back-to-back Stanley Cup Final appearances, losing each time.
While their core remains in place, the free-agent departure of veteran winger Corey Perry to the Los Angeles Kings has created depth concerns for the playoffs.
Corey Perry's knack for elevating his game in the playoffs and sliding onto the power play when needed was a valuable element of Edmonton's recent playoff pushes.
Though there were not many eager to overpay to keep him, his departure leaves a void that the Oilers may try to fill. In a recent column, David Staples proposed Max Pacioretty as a potential replacement, which is not a rumor, but a proposal.
"This doesn't mean this veteran NHL forward will sign with the Oilers. But his skillset - think Corey Perry, only far more physical - fits with what Edmonton needs and would provide said free agrent forward, [Max] Pacioretty, with a solid chance of winning his first Stanley Cup."
- David Staples
- David Staples
Max Pacioretty, still unsigned, could be a fit if he's willing to sign a team-friendly deal and accept a lesser role.
Now 36, Pacioretty recorded 13 points in 37 games last season and boasts a 0.73 points-per-game career average.
Pacioretty could thrive on a Stanley Cup hungry team like Edmonton
Injuries have hampered him in recent years, but his veteran presence, two-way reliability, and hunger for a Stanley Cup could appeal to a contending team like Edmonton.
He'd slot into the Oilers' bottom six, providing insurance if younger prospects like Isaac Howard or Matthew Savoie aren't quite ready.
With Mattias Janmark possibly walking out the door, adding a steady veteran like Pacioretty could give the team some extra flexibility and playoff depth, especially if he contributes on the penalty kill or in big defensive moments.
If he signs with Edmonton, goes to another team, or retires, Pacioretty is a name to watch as the Oilers round out their roster for another Cup quest.
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