Assuming everything goes as expected, it’s going to be weird to see Max Pacioretty in a Toronto Maple Leafs uniform.

Even though nothing has been signed just yet, there’s an expectation from both sides that the 35-year-old will be a Leaf this season.

Furthermore, I would expect some type of corresponding transaction in the coming days for this move to officially come to fruition.

Naturally, this news has been met with mixed reviews. For what it’s worth, I’m probably in the minority on this but I actually like the idea of bringing in the former Montreal Canadiens captain. I asked someone who watched him skate this summer for a review and the feedback was extremely positive. He said Max was, “flying.” Nothing can replicate a real game, but that’s good news if you ask me. Consider his rash of bad luck over the past few seasons, Pacioretty will be a highly motivated player in 2024-25.

So, why Toronto?

First thing’s first, the Leafs are super thin on the left side up front, especially in the top six. With training camp just around the corner, there’s opportunity galore. Matthew Knies will be in the mix, so will Nick Robertson —assuming he’s not traded, of course. Instantaneously, Pacioretty, who obviously has an extensive resume, will be given every opportunity to play on one of the first two lines. In Washington, Pacioretty didn’t really have much to work with up the middle, something that will be a little different in Toronto. There are plenty of guys who can get him in the puck. He’s a hired gun and should be treated as such. The Leafs need depth scoring, and if everything goes according to plan, Pacioretty can provide just that.

At this point in his career, it’s fair to question what the soon-to-be 36-year-old has left in the tank. That said, for me at least, the pros grossly outweigh the cons in this scenario. My big takeaway from last season was that Pacioretty was able to play 47 games after making his season debut in early January. Mentally, that was big. Now, he can just focus on hockey again.

Over and above all that, effectively, the Leafs will have until the trade deadline to make a determination —one way or another. If Pacioretty performs and stays healthy, all parties involved will be very happy. If he’s unable to stick, without question, they should have no issue making the problem go away —if you catch my drift.