Red Wings Join Maple Leafs in Race To Sign Former Canadiens Captain

The race to sign veteran forward and one of the best available free agents, Max Pacioretty, is heating up with the Detroit Red Wings entering the fray and considered favorites to land him alongside the Toronto Maple Leafs.

According to The Athletic’s Arthur Staple , reporting on August 29, Detroit is a "suitor" for Pacioretty, and the Red Wings are "interested in adding" the former Canadiens superstar.

The Wings are joining Toronto in what is shaping up to be a competitive competition for the former Montreal Canadiens captain. However, the potential deals being offered to the veteran vary greatly depending on the franchise.

Insider David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period confirmed Nick Alberga's report about the Leafs' interest in Pacioretty, adding that the Leafs' offer would be a standard players' contract (SPC) rather than a professional try-out (PTO) contract" if they agree to terms."

The Wings, on the other hand, could consider offering Pacioretty only a PTO contract, which wouldn't guarantee him a position in their final regular-season roster for the upcoming 2024-25 season. The veteran would need to prove his worth throughout training camp and then sign a standard contract to make the roster.

Pacioretty spent last season with the Washington Capitals but was limited to just 47 games due to injury. Despite that, he scored 4 goals and 23 points for the Capitals. He also appeared in four postseason games, scoring one point--an assist.

The 35-year-old forward captained the Canadiens during his 10 years with the Habs, and he should come in cheap, having earned $2 million on a one-year deal last season.

Related: Maple Leafs & Canadiens Set To Battle To Sign Former No. 6 Pick