The Toronto Maple Leafs appear to be in hot pursuit of veteran left-winger Max Pacioretty, with reports signaling that the former Montreal Canadiens captain is their top target in free agency. Pacioretty, 35, has seen his NHL career marred by injuries in recent seasons, including a challenging year with the Washington Capitals in which he only managed to play 47 games and record 19 points.
Pacioretty’s resume, despite the injuries, still makes him an appealing addition to Toronto’s roster, but there’s a major hurdle: salary cap constraints. To bring Pacioretty on board, the Maple Leafs must clear cap space—currently sitting with just over $1.2 million in flexibility. Pacioretty, who earned $2 million on a one-year deal last season, would push them well over that limit unless adjustments are made.
NHL insider David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period reported on September 3 that the Maple Leafs are actively considering making roster moves to accommodate Pacioretty’s potential signing. One of the primary solutions? Moving defenseman Connor Timmins.
Pagnotta suggested that trading or waiving Timmins would allow Toronto to free up an additional $1.1 million in cap space, bringing them closer to the necessary amount to sign Pacioretty. If Timmins clears waivers, the Maple Leafs could send him down to the AHL, effectively opening up enough space to finalize the deal.
Timmins, 25, has had his own struggles with injuries and consistency. Last season, he appeared in just 25 games for Toronto, posting 10 points, including a single goal. Over the course of his career, Timmins has played 91 NHL games, tallying 31 points in that span. He carries a cap hit of $1.1 million for the upcoming season, making him an ideal candidate for a roster shakeup as the Leafs work to finalize their lineup ahead of the new season.
For Toronto, it’s a delicate balance of managing contracts, but adding a proven veteran like Pacioretty—if healthy—could be a critical move for the Leafs’ quest to contend in the upcoming season. The situation remains fluid, with roster moves likely looming in the coming days as the Maple Leafs aim to secure their desired target while navigating the financial realities of the salary cap.
