Paul Bissonnette lashes out at fans writing off 35-year-old rumoured Toronto Maple Leafs signing

Former NHL player turned analyst Paul Bissonnette lashed out at fans on X, formerly Twitter, for writing off the potential signing of 35-year-old free agent Max Pacioretty by the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Pacioretty has been linked to the Leafs on a professional tryout contract, per hockey insider Frank Seravalli.

The veteran winger only played five games in the 2022-23 season with Carolina after suffering two Achilles tendon tears within five months. Following his injury issues, Pacioretty spent the last season with the Washington Capitals, scoring four goals and assisting 19 times in 47 games.

Initially excited by the rumors, Bissonnette tweeted,

"What a huge boost that would be for the Leafs. Automatic 30 tucks. Our year."

However, many fans reacted skeptically to the aging player potentially joining Toronto, doubting Pacioretty's ability to still score at a high level in the NHL.

One fan questioned,

"How can you say that Biz? He was pretty much non-existent for Caps when he returned…. ..."

Another fan joked,

"Man, he’s gonna look good in a Maple Leafs sweater for like 12 games before he re-aggravates something." on X.

One fan analyzed:

"Seriously, he’s 36 and suffered two serious Achilles injuries. He’s a 6x 30 goal scorer but we are a few years removed from those totals. Can he score 30 playing with Max Domi? He’s not Sid the Kid. Father Time has caught up to Patches. Best of Luck!" on X.

Angered by the dismissive comments, Paul Bissonnette fired back on X,

"You morons don’t think Patches is getting 30 this year with the Leafs??? Fully healthy trained all summer ready to roll. You dickheads on this app just write off older players like they’re bums. Show some fucking respect."

Paul Bissonnette believes the 35-year-old still has enough left in the tank to help Toronto's offense.

Fans react to Paul Bissonnette's outburst over potential signing of Max Pacioretty with the Maple Leafs

Paul Bissonnette's outburst regarding fans' impression of Max Pacioretty has sparked a heated debate.

One fan tweeted:

"Patches cruising around on the 3rd line against weaker matchups? He might not get 30, but depth scoring of that caliber will only help the Leafs." on X.

Another fan wrote:

"You’re such a click bait whxxx. Write something intelligent once in awhile if you really want to keep the readers on their toes. I’ll read hockey all day, but your antics are getting old. You’ve become a WWE character" on X.

"Bro is gonna play the first four games of the season then sustain a non-contact injury that requires three different surgeries and 8 months to heal" one fan commented.

In his NHL career, Max Pacioretty has scored 330 goals and provided 338 assists in 902 games. According to The Athletic’s Arthur Staple, the Detroit Red Wings were also one of the teams interested in the veteran who had 23 points for the Capitals last season.