Report Suggests the Leafs Are Giving Max Pacioretty the Cold Shoulder Because of Mitch Marner

During the regular season, Max Pacioretty had his fair share of injury issues. However, once the postseason came around, Pacioretty was playing his best hockey.

Once the season came to an end, it was unclear whether or not he would return to the game for another season. However, the Leafs did make it clear they were open to bringing him back. They also said Pacioretty was interested as well.

Since that time, there has been absolute radio silence from the Maple Leafs, which has led to speculation about what might be happening between both sides.

Hockey Patrol seems to have an answer, or perhaps a theory on why this is happening right now. As it turns out, the answer seems to lie in the Mitch Marner situation.

On his way out of Toronto, Marner admitted that he got guidance on Las Vegas from current and former players. In fact, Ryan Reaves and Max Pacioretty are reportedly two former Golden Knights who told Marner about the city.

As a result, it wouldn't be far-fetched for the Leafs to blame these two players for what went down two weeks ago.

Recently, we saw that Ryan Reaves got traded, with some fans claiming that this was actually just an act of revenge.

As Hockey Patrol posits, the Leafs could be doing the same with Pacioretty. If that is truly the case, then fans should not expect him back with the Leafs next season.

Only time will tell whether or not this is truly the case, as there is still time for the Leafs to bring Pacioretty back and welcome him with open arms.

Regardless, general manager Brad Treliving has proven that he is going to be ruthless this offseason.