The Daily: Pacioretty to Maple Leafs Makes Sense; Devils Look at Ex-Red Wing

Max Pacioretty  is 35. Two torn Achilles limited him to 52 games total over the past two seasons. The six-time 30-plus goal scorer netted four goals in 47 games for the Capitals last season.

But Pacioretty will find an NHL job this season.

Pacioretty has had conversations with a few teams. Lately, reports say the Maple Leafs, looking for a left winger, have interest, although they may have to move a defenseman to make it a good fit on their roster. There’s been NHL trade rumors about moving a defenseman.  This could be a low-cost option to add a veteran winger.

Some reporters see Pacioretty a good fit for Detroit. The Red Wings may need more goals.  But the Red Wings don’t truly have the cap space or the roster room to add him at the moment. GM Steve Yzerman will have a handful of younger players joining his team over the next two seasons and roster flexibility is becoming increasingly more important.

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

Detroit’s 2024 first rounder Michael Brandsegg-Nygard delivers key play on Skelleftea’s Champions League win.

Ex-Red Wings goalie Michael Hutchinson signed a PTO with the New Jersey Devils. Could he end up as the Devils’ No. 3 goalie.

Moritz Seider and Lucas Raymond worked out together in Germany. Both players are RFAs, and neither has reached an agreement on a new deals.

Swedish analyst predicts Michael Brandsegg-Nygard has a chance to make the NHL this season. He will be at Red Wings training camp.

Red Wings Offseason

Let’s keep an eye on 2023 Detroit third-round pick Noah Dower Nilsson. This is an important season for him — he needs to stay healthy and make an impact. This is a nice goal.

Noah Dower Nilsson(3rd round’23)
🚨goal🚨with a great stop in the neutral zone. Skates in and rips it past the goalie. #LGRW pic.twitter.com/7f6wfAkg9P

— Red Wings Prospects (@LGRWProspects) September 6, 2024

Hockey Now Network

Boston: Bruins newcomers understand the expectations. Boston Bruins.

Buffalo: Jason Moser looks at the candidates to be the Sabres’ next captain. Is Rasmus Dahlin the favorite? Buffalo Sabres.

Colorado: Goaltending prospect Ilya Nabokov was “shocked” when the Avalanche drafted him. Colorado Avalanche. 

Montreal: Marc Dumont writes about the overflowing number of highly skilled players the Habs boast on their rookie camp list. Montreal Canadiens.  

Nashville: Cue up Frank Sinatra’s “My Way.” That should be the theme song for Nashville general manager Barry Trotz. He is putting his stamp on the Nashville Predators.

Washington: Nathan Moser explores what the Capitals’ revamped lines will look like in 2024-25. Washington Capitals.