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NHL Rumors: Insider speculates 2 Toronto Maple Leafs trade assets to aid Max Pacioretty signing
The Toronto Maple Leafs signed the 35-year-old forward Max Pacioretty on a professional tryout contract on Sept. 11. Pacioretty wants to recover from injuries that limited him to 23 points in 47 games with the Washington Capitals last season. His signing raises questions about the team’s salary cap management.
NHL insider David Pagnotta has reported that the Leafs are looking for ways to free up cap space, which could include trading Nick Robertson and Connor Timmins.
Although Robertson signed a one-year, $875,000 contract, he's still considered a trade asset. The young winger requested a trade earlier this offseason, and talks with other teams are ongoing as his future in Toronto is uncertain.
Connor Timmins, with a $1.1 million cap hit, is also a trade candidate. If he isn’t traded, the Leafs could send him to the minors. That would free up some cap space for Pacioretty or other additions.
"Even though Nick Robertson is locked into a one-year contract," said Pagnotta.
"I'm told he's still very much in play, and GM Brad Treliving is having conversations with other teams about the possibility of moving him. Connor Timmins' name is also out there, with a $1.1 million cap hit. There are ways to alleviate cap pressure,."
Pacioretty’s tryout deal shows the Leafs are looking to improve their depth despite limited cap space. The tryout allows them to assess his health and readiness. Adding a veteran like Pacioretty would strengthen their lineup but needs careful cap management.
The Leafs are facing roster and salary cap challenges, so trading Robertson or Timmins could help. Brad Treliving needs to find solutions to build the best roster as the season approaches.
This tryout is a chance for Pacioretty to prove his value. For the Toronto Maple Leafs, it’s a part of their ongoing effort to remain competitive.
Toronto Maple Leafs offered tryout to Stanley Cup winner Steven Lorentz
On Sept. 12,, the Toronto Maple Leafs added defenseman Jani Hakanpaa to their roster. He signed a one-year, $1.47 million contract. General manager Brad Treliving expressed the aim of enhancing team depth.
"Our expectation is he's going to come in, he gives us more depth. All that stuff's going to sort itself out at camp, right?” Treliving said (via NHL.com on September 12).
Last season, the 32-year-old Hakanpaa had 12 points in 64 games with the Dallas Stars but missed the playoffs due to injury. Forward Steven Lorentz, a Stanley Cup winner with the Florida Panthers, is also on a tryout with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
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