The Edmonton Oilers are considering extending Mattias Ekholm's contract, a move that carries some risk given his age of 35. Ekholm has been a key player on the Oilers' blue line, serving as their top-pairing left-side defenseman. With multiple players entering the final year of their contracts, the Oilers face a dilemma; while extending Ekholm could provide stability, failing to do so may leave them vulnerable as they look to bolster their defense for the coming seasons.

Meanwhile, Max Pacioretty is in search of a new contract after a season marred by injuries yet capped off with a notable postseason performance. Several teams, including the Edmonton Oilers and Toronto Maple Leafs, are potential suitors as they seek to strengthen their forward lines. The Canadiens are also mentioned as a familiar destination for Pacioretty, who has strong ties to the team.

The Edmonton Oilers are actively pursuing forward depth after a disappointing offseason, especially following the loss of veteran Corey Perry. NHL analyst David Staples suggests a potential fit in Max Pacioretty, a free agent and former Toronto Maple Leafs player. Pacioretty offers a blend of physicality and skill that aligns with what the Oilers lack. With several key players no longer in their lineup, including Evander Kane and Warren Foegele, Pacioretty could provide the necessary toughness and scoring depth the Oilers need as they aim for a Stanley Cup. However, Pacioretty's preference to remain in the East poses a significant challenge for the Oilers in their recruitment efforts.

The NHL's free agency landscape is calming down as teams prepare for training camps. The unrestricted free agent market this year appears limited, with only seven teams having less than $1 million available in cap space. Notably, 11 teams, including the Chicago Blackhawks and the contending Carolina Hurricanes, have over $10 million to spend. This dynamic puts pressure on teams to make shrewd signings or trades, like the Canucks did by trading Dakota Joshua to free up cap space.

Among the valuable unrestricted free agents, Jack Roslovic stands out, having scored 22 goals last season. His offensive prowess is appealing to teams like the Maple Leafs, Capitals, and Canucks. Max Pacioretty, despite dealing with injuries in his recent seasons, made a strong playoff showing with the Leafs and could attract a contender looking for depth scoring. Victor Olofsson's strong shooting and power play potential could also draw interest, considering his performance last season with the Golden Knights.

As the Toronto Maple Leafs gear up for the upcoming free agency, General Manager Brad Treliving has already made significant roster changes by securing extensions for key players like Steven Lorentz, Matthew Knies, and John Tavares. In a noteworthy move, Treliving orchestrated a sign-and-trade deal with the Vegas Golden Knights to acquire Nicolas Roy in exchange for Mitch Marner. With 22 NHL players already re-signed, the focus now shifts to addressing their unrestricted free agents, including Max Pacioretty and Pontus Holmberg, and restricted free agent Nick Robertson.

Treliving faces the challenge of working with limited salary cap space, approximately $8.9 million, while still looking to make impactful signings. Potential targets include Nikolaj Ehlers from the Winnipeg Jets, whose offensive prowess could complement the Leafs' strategy, and Brock Boeser from the Vancouver Canucks, who might find a chance to thrive alongside Auston Matthews. Other intriguing options include veterans like Patrick Kane and Connor Brown, who could bolster the forward lines.

Max Pacioretty, seasoned veteran of the Toronto Maple Leafs, hints at the possibility of retirement following a challenging season marked by personal struggles and injuries. Having completed his one-year contract, he reflected on the year spent away from family, leading to uncertain future prospects. In the playoffs, Pacioretty managed to score three goals and five assists over 11 games, indicating that despite his struggles, he still holds valuable skills on the ice.

His career, which started with the Montreal Canadiens, boasts impressive stats, including 681 points in 939 regular-season games, underscoring his potential impact in the league even as he contemplates the next steps. The Leafs face pressure to make strategic roster changes after a disappointing playoff exit, potentially influencing Pacioretty's decision-making process.