Acciari recently signed a three-year contract worth $2 million per year with the Pittsburgh Penguins. He was traded to Toronto last season, and it was the then-general manager, Kyle Dubas, who made a lasting impression on him.
This move by Acciari might just be the beginning of Kyle Dubas' plan. Dubas, who shaped the Maple Leafs to his preferences over several seasons, is now starting over in Pittsburgh. It's possible that Dubas could be trying to attract his former players from Toronto.
While it may seem unlikely, it's important to remember that Dubas has a history of pursuing players who align with his philosophy. If his relationship with players like Acciari is any indication, we might see a significant number of players moving from Toronto to Pittsburgh in the near future.