While some fans may have been perplexed by the Toronto Maple Leafs’ decision to sign Max Pacioretty to a PTO earlier this week, general manager Brad Treliving says everything is going as planned.
Despite having a difficult few seasons with Carolina and Washington, Pacioretty is not far from his four seasons at Vegas, where he averaged twenty-four goals. Even though his time there did not finish on the best of notes, his numbers definitely speak for themselves.
That is why many wondered if the Leafs should look elsewhere when Toronto signed the former captain of the Montreal Canadiens to a PTO earlier. Speaking to the media on September 12, Treliving attempted to allay any worries.
It appears that Toronto has been keeping an eye on Pacioretty for over a month, and in recent weeks, there have been reports that Pacioretty is going to sign a PTO. Treliving pointed out that Pacioretty was less concerned with training as he usually would and more concerned with staying fit and recovering from his injury, which made this chance unique from past years.
That Pacioretty can practice like he did in past years and be ready to play in a full slate come October is a comforting development. Although his exact position on the club is still up in the air, it is clear that he was brought in to provide some seasoned leadership and some scoring depth towards the back of the lineup.
It appears like Pacioretty will not be joining the Maple Leafs on a full-ride scholarship, though, as the general manager made care to point out that everyone must earn a position and that there are no freebies here.
Pacioretty’s arrival adds a little extra spice to the intense rivalry between the Maple Leafs and Canadiens, and it will be interesting to watch how he fits into the lineup.
