Last year, the Toronto Maple Leafs ultimately reaped the benefits of giving veteran Max Pacioretty a chance by offering him to a professional tryout prior to the 2024-25 NHL season. After a strong showing during the preseason, Pacioretty eventually was signed to a one-year contract. Despite a somewhat underwhelming regular season, the signing paid huge dividends in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The 36-year-old veteran recorded three goals and five assists in 11 postseason games for the Leafs, helping them get past the Ottawa Senators in the gruelling first round series.
With that in mind, who could become this year’s version of Pacioretty with the Maple Leafs?