Confirmed with Link: Leafs sign Pacioretty to a PTO -- Expected to sign a 1 year deal soon?

[LEAFANFORLIFE23]

He’s moving better than years before. He’ll get a few cookies, but defensive game is NOT good.

He wasn't brought here for defense

 

[LEAFANFORLIFE23]

I don't understand this signing.

Is it just so they can have an OGWAC on the team again. I'm sick of seeing them bring in vets who can't contribute anything other than being a positive locker room presence. How about getting vets who are good in the room AND on the ice.

A better idea would be to give the kids an opportunity.

They need more room for growth from young players. All these vets with one foot out the door have no business playing large roles on this team. Like when they signed Thornton it wasn't the dumbest move they could've made.

Playing him on the top line was.

Thornton was given a position he neither earned through his play or deserved through entitlement. An enviable reward for a long illustrious career playing for teams not named the Toronto Maple Leafs. I expect Pacioretty to be given similar red carpet treatment.

Another Leafs sales job on a player on his way out of the NHL.

The young players got an opportunity, they didn't earn a spot because they aren't ready.

Some of them, like Grebonkin are very close but they aren't ready.

 

[Budz]

He wasn't brought here for defense

Ya, well it’s like the kid on my son’s hockey team.

This kid plays great offense, scores 2 goals - often highlight reel. I’m positive he has a nice car ride home remembering his goals with his folks. At the same time, having no clue that being on the ice for four goals costs the team. Turning the puck over and over again does not justify your 2 goals.

This mindset on the Leafs also has to go.

 

[LEAFANFORLIFE23]

Ya, well it’s like the kid on my son’s hockey team.

This kid plays great offense, scores 2 goals - often highlight reel. I’m positive he has a nice car ride home remembering his goals with his folks. At the same time, having no clue that being on the ice for four goals costs the team. Turning the puck over and over again does not justify your 2 goals.

This mindset on the Leafs also has to go.

Pacioretty has literally NEVER been in The league for defense.

Every team has players that are pure offense.

Every team has players that are pure defense

Every team has players that give you both.

You aren't getting defense from everybody.

 

[Puckstuff]

Pacioretty has literally NEVER been in The league for defense.

Every team has players that are pure offense.

Every team has players that are pure defense

Every team has players that give you both.

You aren't getting defense from everybody.

Habs fans were claiming Pacioretty was one of the better defensive wingers in the NHL a few seasons ago.

He’s older now but I don’t view his defence as a problem at all.

 

[1specter]

Habs fans were claiming Pacioretty was one of the better defensive wingers in the NHL a few seasons ago.

He’s older now but I don’t view his defence as a problem at all.

Yup Patches was a respectable 2-way forward in his prime with the Habs. Injuries have slowed him down now so he may as well focus on his biggest advantage which is still his lethal shot. Bigger concern for me is that he's historically not a very good playoff performer, so I wonder how much he moves the needle there, though his numbers with Vegas were respectable.

 

[Puckstuff]

Yup Patches was a respectable 2-way forward in his prime with the Habs. Injuries have slowed him down now so he may as well focus on his biggest advantage which is still his lethal shot. Bigger concern for me is that he's historically not a very good playoff performer, so I wonder how much he moves the needle there, though his numbers with Vegas were respectable.

He’s probably one of those players you sign to help you get through the grunt of an 82 game regular season but ultimately doesn’t make the playoff roster, especially if they pick up a meaningful player or two at the deadline.

He could prove that thesis wrong though with a good season.