The Edmonton Oilers are reportedly exploring a signing for veteran winger Max Pacioretty, once of the Toronto Maple Leafs, to fill the void left by Corey Perry’s departure . As a seasoned forward with a blend of physical presence and scoring ability, Pacioretty aligns well with what the Oilers are seeking ahead of the 2025–26 NHL season.
Pacioretty, now 37, carries a history of dealing with injuries, yet remains valued for his experience—336 goals and 681 points over 939 career games alongside reliable playoff contributions . Last season with Toronto, his regular‑season scoring dipped (5 goals in 37 games), but he still showed he can be a force in key moments—delivering a series‑clinching playoff goal and averaging 21.9 hits per 60 minutes.
Oilers analyst David Staples noted that Pacioretty’s cap‑friendly past contract ($873,770 in 2024–25) may appeal to Edmonton, although the team faces salary cap challenges with only about $225,000 remaining . That squeeze may force the Oilers to be creative with salary retention or additional roster moves to make space for him .
The market’s slower than expected for Pacioretty, who remains one of the top UFA wingers available this late into the free‑agency period, ranking around third overall . That late‑season availability is fueling speculation that the Oilers could strike, given their desire to maintain a physical, playoff‑savvy forward core.
Corey Perry officially signed with the LA Kings on July 1 to a one‑year deal worth around $3.5 million, ending his productive two‑season stint in Edmonton . That departure has left a glaring gap in the Oilers’ bottom six—a gap Edmonton hopes Pacioretty can fill.
While nothing is finalized, insiders indicate the Oilers are keeping tabs on Pacioretty’s situation. If he’s willing to take a deal near last year’s number, Edmonton could land a low‑risk, high‑reward veteran who brings playoff grit and secondary scoring—key ingredients in their ongoing quest for a Stanley Cup
