Edmonton Oilers reportedly in the running to steal Detroit Red Wings' free agent target Max Pacioretty

Max Pacioretty had an impressive career. After multiple tough injuries, the 22nd overall pick in 2007 kept going and continued to compete in the NHL.

Last season, at 35 years old, he joined the Toronto Maple Leafs on a professional tryout and later, a regular contract for the full season.

After being limited to 37 games due to injuries and being healthy scratched from the lineup by the Leafs' head coach Craig Berube, Pacioretty helped the team in the playoffs, scoring three goals and five assists in 11 games.

The player remains available in free agency. While it would be surprising to see a team offer him a contract at this point in the offseason, the PTO option remains on the table.

Earlier this summer, reports confirmed the Detroit Red Wings' interest in getting Pacioretty, but nothing has happened yet.

Following two straight losses to the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup Finals, the Oilers made massive changes to their forward group.

Over the summer, Corey Perry, Evander Kane, and Viktor Arvidsson left, while Curtis Lazar, Andrew Mangiapane, and Isaac Howard joined the team.

The most likely scenario is a PTO, but the Oilers only have $225,834 in available cap space as of now.

In order to sign Pacioretty, the team would need to make a transaction, either sending someone to the AHL or making a trade, although this scenario appears unlikely.

While some fans would like to see Pacioretty in Detroit, the idea of joining Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl could be enticing for the former Habs captain.

The Red Wings do have a financial advantage over the Oilers, with over $12 million available in cap space.