What the next few weeks, months and years will look like for the Toronto Maple Leafs is really anybody’s guess right now. Far more certain, however, is that when Leafs fans tune in to watch their team on Saturday night—and you know they will—they’ll get a pretty solid glimpse of what their most talented scorer never became.
When Phil Kessel and the Buds travel to Montreal this weekend for the first matchup with their ancient rivals since the season’s opening night, they’ll see a Canadiens club with one true offensive star up front, left winger Max Pacioretty.
(Watch it Live on Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada at 7 p.m. ET on CBC)
Pacioretty has been a bright spot in La Belle Province for some time now. It may surprise some to learn that, since the 2011-12 season, only Steven Stamkos’ 103 even-strength goals tops the 89 deposited by Montreal’s big No. 67. Pacioretty scored a career-high 39 times last season and is pretty much on pace to equal that mark this year. On Thursday night, he was on target to register his seventh game-winning marker of the campaign—which would have tied him for second-most in the NHL—until the Habs gagged away a late lead during a dubious 4-3 overtime loss to the Edmonton Oilers.
The bottom line on Pacioretty is that he’s consistent and clutch.
But while his obvious calling card is goal-scoring, the Connecticut native continues to push himself in other areas. Pacioretty is averaging 1:35 of shorthanded ice time per contest this season, forming an effective, opportunistic duo with centre Tomas Plekanec. Last summer, the 26-year-old was among four players the Habs designated to wear an ‘A’ after the departure of former captain Brian Gionta. That was a clear endorsement from the organization that Pacioretty’s portfolio runs deeper than, “Guy who can get you goals.”
Sound unfamiliar, Leafs fans?
This is not going to be a space where you’ll see accusations about Kessel being the source of Toronto’s anguish. We all know what the guy can do, and because other teams do, too, there will be no shortage of inquiries—big contract and all—should the Leafs decide to move him. He’s a fantastic offensive player, full stop.
No, really, full stop.
The NHL is increasingly a place where, regardless of your skill set, evolution and diversification is crucial. Remember how hard Sidney Crosby laboured on his faceoff skills after getting picked clean early in his career? Do you know how much work John Tavares put into his skating to make sure he wasn’t a half-step behind at the highest level? When Phil Esposito was scoring tons of goals in the 1970s, a sniper could justify a one-dimensional existence. That’s just not the way it works any more.
Kessel’s nonchalant demeanour and less-than-chiseled appearance no doubt contribute to the perception he doesn’t care enough. But even setting that aside, does anybody really believe he’s desperately in search of the extra few drops that will allow him to flood tight, critical games with his abilities? Is there any scenario where you can see him being a force for good in front of the other team’s blueline? Didn’t think so.
When you’re as talented as Kessel, coaches and teammates are still going to make exceptions for you. At that point, it’s up to the player to decide if he wants to exploit that extra leeway or push himself to become something more. Because of the choice he’s made, Pacioretty has become an all-around threat and leader for Montreal, and it would surprise nobody if he were handed the captaincy of the club this summer.
So while the Habs could potentially be in the enviable position of making their premier forward the face of the franchise in coming months, the Leafs might well be looking to trade a fantastically skilled player who always seemed completely content with that label.