Would Pacioretty be a Fit For Red Wings?

There’s no shortage of Michigan men in the lineup of the Detroit Red Wings. Is there room for another one?

Already with former Wolverines Dylan Larkin, JT Compher and Andrew Copp under contract for next season, there’s speculation in NHL circles that the Red Wings might be looking to make a move to add veteran NHL forward Max Pacioretty when he becomes a UFA on July 1.

Pacioretty, 36, played one season for the Wolverines in 2007-08.

The veteran left-winger makes his offseason home in Michigan. Last season, while he was playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Pacioretty’s wife and children remained in Michigan.

The Leafs remain interested in re-signing Max Pacioretty.

That said, being close to family, who are in Michigan, is a top priority for him.

Leading up to July 1, one team to look out for is the Detroit Red Wings.

— Nick Alberga (@thegoldenmuzzy) June 24, 2025

“This year was very difficult for me, being away from my family,” Pacioretty told reporters when the Leafs were cleaning out their lockers after being eliminated from the Stanley Cup playoffs by the Florida Panthers. “I’m really excited just to get home and be with them, and talk to them about what’s next in life.”

Could that next step be a move to sign with the Red Wings?

“In terms of playing, that’s difficult to answer right now,” Pacioretty said.

Red Wings Looking To Get Heavier

At his own season ender, Detroit GM Steve Yzerman was lamenting the need for his club to beef up how they played the game.

“This team in particular, I think I’d like us to be bigger,” Yzerman said, before correcting himself. “Although I shouldn’t say bigger. Harder, because we are pretty big, actually.

“And I think we can demand that out of our own players, but also bring in some. Maybe a different mix.”

Certainly, that’s a bill Pacioretty would be capable of filling. The 6-foot-2, 217-pound forward is known for playing a heavy style of game. In fact, at this stage of his career, it’s the element he can most offer to an NHL team.

MAX PACIORETTY MAKES IT 2-0 FOR TORONTO 🤩 #StanleyCup

🇺🇸: @NHL_On_TNT & @SportsonMax ➡️ https://t.co/4TuyIATi3T
🇨🇦: @Sportsnet or stream on Sportsnet+ ➡️ https://t.co/4KjbdjVctF pic.twitter.com/Clf6AyXZLZ

— NHL (@NHL) May 17, 2025

A five-time 30-goal scorer as an NHLer, Pacioretty is no longer capable of providing that level of offense. He’s scored a combined 12 goals over the past three seasons.

Another concern with signing Pacioretty would be whether he could stay healthy enough to make a significant impact as a bottom-six forward. He’s never played more than 48 games in any of the past five seasons.