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Max Pacioretty’s playing career was threatened in 2022-23 by a twice-torn right Achilles tendon. The veteran left wing returned to action midway through last season with the Washington Capitals, finishing with four goals and 23 points in 47 games.
TSN’s Chris Johnston reported on Tuesday the Toronto Maple Leafs are among the teams thought to be interested in signing Pacioretty. He thinks they could use the 35-year-old to address their need for experienced depth on the left wing.
The Leafs aren’t the only club looking at Pacioretty. Sportsnet’s Luke Fox reported the Anaheim Ducks and New York Rangers have considered inviting the winger to training camp.
Speaking of the Maple Leafs, TSN also noted little progress in contract talks between management and unhappy winger Nick Robertson. Earlier this summer, the 22-year-old RFA told the Leafs he had no intention of signing with them and requested a trade.
Leafs GM Brad Treliving insists he wants Robertson to be part of the roster this season, believing the youngster has a great opportunity to establish himself among their regular middle-six forwards. So far, there’s no indication Robertson intends to change his mind.
Related: Will Nick Robertson Successfully Force the Toronto Maple Leafs To Trade Him?
Philly Hockey Now’s Jonathan Bailey wrote Robertson would be a great fit with the rebuilding Flyers. Bailey acknowledged the Leafs’ asking price could be an obstacle and noted the Flyers already have depth on the wings. However, he considers Robertson a younger, more affordable option who could blossom into a top-six forward in Philadelphia.
Fox also pointed out that Calen Addison remains available. He noted the 24-year-old defenseman logged more than 17 minutes of ice time per game and carried an affordable $825,000 cap hit last season.
Addison showed promising as a puck-moving blueliner with the Minnesota Wild, tallying 29 points in 62 games in 2022-23. However, Fox observed that he doesn’t produce much at even strength and failed to stick with the Wild and San Jose Sharks.
Nevertheless, Fox thinks the lack of young defensemen in the free-agent market could make Addison a tempting option for teams willing to take a chance. He mentioned the Edmonton Oilers could have an opening after losing Philip Broberg to the St. Louis Blues via offer sheet.
The Hockey News’ Islanders site contributor Stefen Rosner wrote Addison could be a smart tryout option for the team. Having another right-handed defenseman as a seventh defenseman or someone who’s a call-up away from AHL Bridgeport could help the team’s depth, but the Islanders don’t have much, if any, salary cap space at the moment to give Addison a contract.
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News Summary:
- NHL Rumor Roundup: Latest on Max Pacioretty, Nick Robertson and Calen Addison
- Check all news and articles from the latest NHL updates.