Edmonton Oilers Eyeing Veteran Forward Max Pacioretty as They Seek Experienced Depth for 2025 Stanley Cup Championship Run
The Edmonton Oilers are reportedly exploring the possibility of signing veteran winger Max Pacioretty, a move that would add another experienced and battle-tested forward to their roster as they continue to chase a Stanley Cup title. For a team that came agonizingly close to winning it all in recent seasons, the addition of a proven scorer like Pacioretty could provide both leadership and offensive punch in key moments. With Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl leading the charge, the Oilers’ current core is in win-now mode, and every personnel decision is viewed through the lens of maximizing their championship window.
Pacioretty, 36, is one of the most respected veterans available in free agency. While his recent seasons have been hampered by injuries — including two Achilles tendon surgeries in the past two years — he remains a player with the pedigree and experience to contribute to a contending team in the right role. He played last season with the Washington Capitals, appearing in 47 games and recording 23 points. While those numbers might not jump off the page, they are commendable considering the circumstances of his recovery and limited ice time.
What the Oilers would be acquiring in Pacioretty isn’t just statistical production. His leadership qualities, playoff experience, and scoring touch are all intangible assets that could elevate the Oilers in critical playoff moments. He has logged over 850 NHL games and scored more than 300 goals during his 16-year career, spending his prime years as captain of the Montreal Canadiens and then as a top-six forward for the Vegas Golden Knights. In the postseason, he has amassed over 100 games of experience, including deep playoff runs that included a trip to the Stanley Cup Final in 2021 with Vegas.
For a team like Edmonton, where the margin between success and failure is often razor-thin, having a veteran presence like Pacioretty in the lineup could make a subtle but significant difference. The Oilers already boast one of the league’s most dynamic offenses, but the playoffs have consistently shown the value of depth scoring and leadership when the stakes are highest. Last year, despite reaching the Stanley Cup Final, Edmonton’s lack of reliable production beyond the top six forwards was exposed at times, especially when opposing teams successfully neutralized McDavid and Draisaitl.
Pacioretty’s style of play — a strong, north-south winger with a quick release and a shoot-first mentality — could complement either of Edmonton’s top two centers. If he’s healthy, he could be used in a middle-six role, perhaps on the second power-play unit, while providing the kind of leadership and presence that doesn’t necessarily show up on the scoresheet. He’s also known for his professional approach off the ice, something that could benefit Edmonton’s younger players and contribute to a championship culture inside the locker room.
Financially, the Oilers would need to be creative in making the move work. As of now, the club remains close to the salary cap ceiling and has already committed significant dollars to their stars. However, Pacioretty is unlikely to command a large contract given his recent injury history and age. A one-year, incentive-laden deal or a league-minimum contract with performance bonuses could be the way forward. That sort of low-risk, high-reward structure is becoming increasingly common with aging veterans who still have something to offer but carry legitimate health concerns.
The move would also reflect a shift in Edmonton’s team-building strategy. In years past, the Oilers were often criticized for not surrounding their stars with enough proven talent, instead relying heavily on inexperienced players to fill out the lineup. General Manager Ken Holland has worked to change that narrative by targeting savvy veterans like Corey Perry, Adam Henrique, and now potentially Pacioretty. The goal is to blend elite skill with playoff toughness, versatility, and leadership — all critical ingredients in the pursuit of a Stanley Cup.
Another layer to this potential acquisition is the leadership mentorship Pacioretty could provide. Edmonton has a strong leadership core with McDavid as captain and Draisaitl as a vocal leader, but adding another voice with captaincy experience and the respect of the league could further solidify the team’s identity and poise under pressure. Playoff hockey often requires a certain level of composure and grind-it-out resilience, and players like Pacioretty have been through enough postseason wars to understand what it takes to win when every shift matters.
Of course, there are questions surrounding his ability to stay healthy and productive. Two Achilles injuries are no small matter, and while Pacioretty did return to action last year, there were games where he looked slower and struggled to keep up with the pace of play. That said, it was also evident that he was still recovering and not yet back to full form. Another full offseason of training and rehab could position him to enter the 2025 season in better shape, potentially regaining some of the scoring touch that made him a perennial 30-goal threat in his prime.
Edmonton’s interest in Pacioretty also signals that the front office is still not satisfied with the current construction of the roster, even after coming close to winning the Cup. That kind of relentless drive to improve is what separates contenders from champions. It shows that Holland and head coach Kris Knoblauch are looking at every angle to ensure the team is deeper, more balanced, and better equipped for another long playoff run.
In addition to his on-ice skill, Pacioretty’s reputation around the league is sterling. Coaches praise his work ethic, teammates value his honesty and professionalism, and front offices respect his commitment to the game. He brings the type of presence that commands respect and lifts the standards in the dressing room. For a young player looking to carve out a role in the NHL, having someone like Pacioretty as a teammate can be a valuable developmental asset.
If the Oilers do finalize a deal with him, the move would likely come just before training camp or early into the preseason, allowing the coaching staff to evaluate his fitness level and line fit. It would also give Pacioretty time to adjust to the team’s systems, find chemistry with his linemates, and integrate into the locker room without the pressure of immediate expectations. The best-case scenario is that he becomes a reliable secondary scorer who can step up when needed; the worst case is that he becomes a depth option who helps mentor younger forwards and provides an extra gear in tight postseason battles.
Ultimately, the interest in Max Pacioretty underscores the Oilers’ urgency to maximize their competitive window while McDavid and Draisaitl are still under contract. Every move the team makes from this point forward must be evaluated in the context of winning now. The 2025 playoffs will not be about moral victories or incremental progress — the goal is the Stanley Cup, and anything less will feel like a missed opportunity.
While Pacioretty may no longer be the 30-goal scorer he once was, he doesn’t have to be. In a reduced role, on a deep and talented Oilers roster, he could be exactly the kind of veteran addition that pushes a very good team over the top. The gamble on his health and readiness is real, but so is the potential reward. And in a league where depth and experience can make all the difference, the Oilers are wise to at least consider the upside of bringing Max Pacioretty into the fold.
