Six-time 30-goal scorer drawing interest from Western Conference powerhouse

We're just over one day until the opening of free agency and several players are being linked to different teams around the National Hockey League.

One surprising name that is drawing interest is six-time 30-goal scorer Max Pacioretty. It's not surprising given what Pacioretty can bring to a team, but because of his injury history over the last 12 months.

According to Adrian Dater, Max Pacioretty could end up with the Colorado Avalanche when free agency begins at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday.




Pacioretty, 34, was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes from the Vegas Golden Knights in July 2022 and just over a month later, he suffered a torn right Achilles and underwent surgery.

He returned to make his Hurricanes debut in January, but five games into his tenure with Carolina, he tore his right Achilles again and was forced to miss the remainder of the season.

While signing Pacioretty is certainly risky given his recent injury history, adding another offensive threat to a potent Avalanche forward group could be just with they need. If he's able to play a middle-six role and contribute 15-20+ goals, that would be a big win for general manager Chris MacFarland and his group.