The Toronto Maple Leafs have a problem.      Maple Maple Leafs Face Complications with Potential Pacioretty Signing Face Complications with Potential Pacioretty Signing  Already a bit thin at left wing following the off-season departure of Tyler Bertuzzi, the trade request and subsequent stalled contract negotiations of Nicholas Robertson have created something of a depth crisis and glaring need at the position. As luck would have it, though, a decorated 16-year NHL veteran left winger boasting six 30-goal seasons, leadership experience as a former captain, and even a Masterton Trophy remains on the free agent market. Simple solution, right? Max Pacioretty’s name has been widely linked to the Maple Leafs on the rumour mill—and with good reason. But while the career 330-goal scorer represents an incredible option at a time when most players that remain available are, at best, on the fringes of the NHL, there is reason for the organization to give pause. Assuming Pacioretty has an interest in coming to Toronto, there are still complicating factors that might explain why a deal still hasn’t materialized.

 

Can Pacioretty Keep Up?

If the Maple Leafs decide to bring in Pacioretty, it probably won’t be to grind away with the likes of David Kampf and Ryan Reaves on the fourth line. The former Montreal Canadiens captain clearly has the pedigree of a top-six player, but at 35 years of age, there’s no guarantee that he can keep pace with the club’s dynamic star forwards.

Maple Maple Leafs Face Complications with Potential Pacioretty Signing Face Complications with Potential Pacioretty Signing

Finding wingers who can complement the likes of Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and William Nylander is no easy feat. Even John Tavares, the elder statesman of the ‘Core Four’, has looked old and slow at times next to his younger linemates. And Pacioretty is two years older than the former Leafs captain.

 

While speed is a pressing concern for Pacioretty’s fit with Toronto and, by extension, the top-six forward corps, so is his health. The Connecticut native has seen action in just 99 games over the past three seasons and didn’t exactly incite a bidding war for his services after struggling out to four goals, 23 points, and a minus-14 plus/minus last year with the Washington Capitals. Given the organization’s previous experiences with past-their-prime stars like Patrick Marleau and Joe Thornton, general manager Brad Treliving may be wise to use caution before proceeding.

Maple Maple Leafs Face Complications with Potential Pacioretty Signing Face Complications with Potential Pacioretty Signing

Adding Pacioretty Would Push Everyone Back

To some, the holes at the left wing for the Maple Leafs are signs of insufficient depth. To young forwards in the system, however, they represent opportunity. As it currently stands, Alex Steeves, Alex Nylander, and Nikita Grebenkin could all use training camp to propel themselves into roles with the big club on the l eft side.