In this edition of Toronto Maple Leafs News & Rumors, with the 4 Nations Face-Off now having a couple of days off until the final on Thursday, I’ll look at a trade deadline deal that doesn’t have to happen. The kind of player the Maple Leafs might want to pull onto the team’s roster at the deadline is already with the team. Max Pacioretty could provide the Maple Leafs with the veteran leadership they need without making a trade.
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Next, I’ll examine the goaltending situation following Anthony Stolarz’s return from injury. With Stolarz back and playing as well as ever, how will the Maple Leafs balance his role with Joseph Woll in the crease? Finally, I’ll address a concerning issue that surfaced at the 4 Nations Face-Off. Could Auston Matthews’ injury derail his performance and potentially impact the Maple Leafs’ lineup down the stretch?
Item One: Max Pacioretty: The Unlikely Trade Deadline Piece Already in Place
Max Pacioretty’s addition to the roster might not have been earth-shattering. He’s no longer the goal scorer he was in his youth. Injuries and age have diminished his play. That said, his impact is far from insignificant. The trade deadline has often seen the Maple Leafs bring in that veteran presence who can step in and make an immediate difference for the short term. A player like Pacioretty would have been a trade target like Nick Foligno a couple of seasons ago.
The thing is that Pacioretty has already been in the mix all season long, providing leadership and experience without the need to pull off an in-season deal. Much like Corey Perry’s role with the Edmonton Oilers, Pacioretty has had the chance to settle in, become part of the culture, and get to know the team dynamics. He’s integrated seamlessly without the pressure of fitting at the last minute.
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This raises an interesting question: Does Pacioretty being on the team mean management will be less likely to make a big move by the trade deadline? He can step up in big moments and provide veteran leadership, and he’s already here. Does that mean the team won’t sacrifice future assets for another rental player? Can the team now focus on other areas of improvement rather than overpaying for a temporary solution?
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