The 2024-2025 NHL training camp is getting closer. Some players are still negotiating contracts with teams across the league, filling up some needed roster spots. For example, one longtime forward and former captain is reportedly in the mix for another deal. If he does secure a deal, it would be for his 16th NHL season. Time will tell if a team signs him, but this veteran free agent is the source of today’s NHL rumours.
NHL Rumours: Former Captain Receiving Offers for 17th Season
UFA Update: #Oilers are perusing the market for right-shot D, including Justin Schultz, Tyson Barrie and Kevin Shattenkirk, among others.
Also, Max Pacioretty has firm offers in-hand from at least three teams, the veteran forward expected to make a decision soon.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) August 23, 2024
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Rumour: According to a post from Daily Faceoff’s Director of Hockey Content Frank Seravalli, Max Pacioretty has reportedly received offers from up to three NHL teams. The veteran forward is expected to decide soon as to who he will suit up for the upcoming 2024-25 season.
Analysis: Although he has been struggling to stay on the ice in the past two seasons, recording only 52 games and 26 points, he is still a very serviceable veteran for any team looking for a cheap bottom-six forward. The 35-year-old recorded four goals and 19 assists with the Washington Capitals last season. This served as a bounce-back year from his injury-riddled 2022-2023 season with the Carolina Hurricanes, where he was out for all but five games.
Although it may seem strange to try and bring on board someone who hasn’t been able to stay healthy for the past two seasons, there is potential that he can return to his pre-injury form. That is where he was averaging between 35-60 points a year.
What He Brings
There are teams in multiple different situations included in these NHL rumours for the veteran free agent forward. Each have their own reason for benefited from his services. Furthermore, they could make the last few seasons of a long NHL career as successful as possible.
A team in need of a rebuild could use Pacioretty as a veteran presence for a young locker room, especially since he served as the captain in a market that is notorious for high amounts of pressure. Although this won’t guarantee him his first Stanley Cup ring, it will guarantee him security and the opportunity to play a bigger role for a club. The other opportunity he has is to sign around a league minimum contract to play for a contender, serving as a third or fourth-line centre with few minutes and a much smaller role.
Cup or Bust
Although it was previously mentioned that he could sign with a rebuilding team and serve as a solid veteran presence for a young core, the one problem with that idea is that he does not have a Stanley Cup championship. That is notable in that he barely missed out on a ring with the Vegas Golden Knights. With that, he most likely wants to sign with a contender and help them win it all.
Pacioretty has been through multiple deep playoff runs with the Vegas Golden Knights and Montreal Canadiens. He would look to finally get past the conference finals for the first time in his career.
MAIN PHOTO: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
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