Report: Maple Leafs Passed on Former No. 2 Pick to Sign Max Pacioretty

While trying to apply a final touch to their forward corps, the Toronto Maple Leafs had the chance of landing a former No. 2 pick but instead opted to sign a former Montreal Canadiens captain.

Now we know that, in fact, former Maple Leafs forward James van Riemsdyk and Toronto had mutual interest in a potential reunion this offseason, according to TSN’s Chris Johnston.

However, the Leafs ultimately decided to pursue Max Pacioretty handing him a professional tryout (PTO) deal, a move that has nothing but closed the door on van Riemsdyk’s return to Toronto.

“He was certainly interested in coming back to Toronto,” Johnston said on The Chris Johnston Show on September 12 . “I think the Leafs were at least open to the possibility, but they had Pacioretty rated or ranked ahead of JVR.

"I think that ship (JVR back to Toronto) has now sailed."

Van Riemsdyk, who spent six seasons with the Leafs during his previous stint there, was a natural fit for Toronto's search to fill a left-wing vacancy.

The veteran forward, a former No. 2 overall pick by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2007 NHL draft, is coming off a productive season with the Boston Bruins, where he tallied 38 points (11 goals, 27 assists) adding 5 points in 11 postseason matchups.

Johnston hinted that the Leafs might revisit van Riemsdyk if injuries occur during training camp, but such a scenario remains unlikely with the former Bruins winger expected to land a PTO deal in the next few days.

For the time being, the Leasf will accommodate Pacioretty with general manager Brad Treliving announcing on September 12 that the franchise expects the veteran to sign a standard contract before the regular season.

“Everyone is competing for a job, right? You have to go through camp," Treliving said . "My expectation is that he is going to be with us, but everyone has to earn their spot here."

Related: Maple Leafs Urged to Complete Reunion With Former No. 2 Overall Pick