Max Pacioretty knew he had crossed the great Maple Leafs-Canadiens divide when his kids saw him in a Toronto sweater for the first time. “They said this is the best jersey that I look in so far,” Pacioretty said with a laugh as he prepared to face his old team wearing Blue and White for the first time when the Habs visit Thursday night.

It looks like Max Pacioretty is the real deal for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Why did he choose a PTO here rather than sign with another team?

The Toronto Maple Leafs opened their preseason with an overtime loss against the Ottawa Senators, although Max Pacioretty made a powerful statement in his first game for the franchise. The veteran wrapped up his debut scoring two goals in the team's 6–5 loss to the Sens and pretty much confirming his presence on the Leasf regular-season roster.

NHL veteran Max Pacioretty was one of the few bright spots for the Maple Leafs on Sunday. The first game of the preseason was an ugly one for the Toronto Maple Leafs who, despite icing what looked very much like a National Hockey League roster, saw themselves struggling against an Ottawa Senators roster that featured very few NHL regulars.

Although the Toronto Maple Leafs lost their preseason game to the Ottawa Senators, Max Paccioretty stood out. What did fans learn about him?

Max Pacioretty dropped in two goals during his preseason debut with the Toronto Maple Leafs. The star left winger looked like he was in midseason form with his brand new team, leaving any doubt as to whether or not he could be an impactful addition to the team.

A few weeks back I made a case that a youth movement is in the Leafs best interest. Whether players like Easton Cowan or Fraser Minten are ready today or not, any sign that they are ready to be developed at the NHL level should give them a priority roster spot over bringing in a player like Max Pacioretty.