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“This Is the Reality That’s Hit the Maple Leafs About Pacioretty”
If the Toronto Maple Leafs are trying to solve their depth-scoring issues, does Max Pacioretty offer the best chance for goals?
The Toronto Maple Leafs will be getting some players back from injury, which will require head coach Craig Berube to make some difficult decisions. The Athletic’s Jonas Siegel argues that the Leafs might want to focus on offense since the team doesn’t tend to win when the top stars aren’t producing in any given game. Specifically, he notes, “Overall, this team is 0-9-1 when scoring two goals or fewer.” If the plan is to solve that problem and the Leafs look to scoring from depth forwards, who has the best shot of being the most productive?
Of the Toronto Maple Leafs’ returning forwards, Siegel argues that Max Pacioretty offers the most offensive upside. Despite scoring only six goals in his last 61 games dating back to last season, Pacioretty’s proven track record as a scorer suggests he has the potential to make the biggest difference.
Siegel points out that in limited action this season, Pacioretty has shown flashes he can be the goal scorer he one was. In particular, he wonders if Pacioretty might thrive alongside John Tavares and William Nylander, a line that excelled earlier this season. In just under 70 minutes together, that trio dominated possession, generated high-danger chances, and outscored opponents 5-2.
Other Options for Maple Leafs Haven’t Shown They Can Boost the Offense
Pacioretty seems to be the best option of the returning forwards and that could make him a potential spark for the Leafs’ offense. With other returning forwards struggling to score—such as Max Domi and David Kämpf, who have yet to find the back of the net this season—Pacioretty becomes the better of the choices facing the coach. None are guarantees and Pacioretty’s health is an issue, but when he gets going, he gets going.
If he can capitalize on his opportunities and stay in the lineup, Pacioretty has the tools to be a difference-maker for the Leafs. They need offense from outside of their top three (arguably four) guys. He was brought in to provide it and the Maple Leafs may be inclined to give him the best chance to prove they made the right decision.
