After a season that saw him lead the team in goals, it looks like the Toronto Maple Leafs could be interested in bringing back 33-year-old P.A. Parenteau for the 2016-17 season.
While the Leafs did look to move Parenteau at the deadline last season – unsuccessfully – there seems to be significant interest from both sides in coming to terms on a possible deal that would keep Parenteau in blue and white.
“There have been a couple of discussions,” said Parenteau’s agent, Allan Walsh, according to Luke Fox of Sportsnet. “Very preliminary. I would say every possibility is on the table. They have not closed the door to him coming back, but I don’t think it’s a decision that’s going to be made now. I think it’s a decision that’s going to be made just before we get to July 1.”
Parenteau finished second on team scoring with 41 points – just four points behind Nazem Kadri for the team lead. He hit the 20-goal plateau for the second time in his career and led the team in powerplay goals with seven.
“Let’s be very clear on this point: P.A. Parenteau loved playing in Toronto. He loved playing for Mike Babcock. He believes in the direction of the organization and where it’s going,” continued Walsh. “The only thing he didn’t like was not making the playoffs, and he would love to come back.”
A former ninth-round pick in 2001 (to the Anaheim Ducks), Parenteau tied his career high in goals with 20 and missed just five games for the Leafs in 2015-16.
