Max Pacioretty Joins Toronto Maple Leafs, Aims for NHL Comeback

Max Pacioretty, a seasoned NHL player, has embarked on a new chapter in his career with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Pacioretty, once the captain of the Montreal Canadiens, spoke highly of his past experiences and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to play again as he attended the Bell Centre for a regular-season opener against his former team.

“Being the captain meant everything to me … and I spent 10 of the best years of my life here,” Pacioretty remarked on Wednesday morning, reflecting on his tenure with the Canadiens. Despite being an American in a Canadian sport, he expressed the honor he felt representing the team at such a high level.

At 35, Pacioretty enters his 16th NHL season after a tumultuous few years plagued by injuries. His recent stint included just five games in the 2022-23 season with the Carolina Hurricanes following Achilles tendon issues. However, Pacioretty successfully showcased his capabilities by scoring three goals and racking up five points in his initial exhibition games with Toronto, earning him a one-year contract at the league-minimum salary.

The veteran hockey player candidly spoke about his current mindset, saying, “I’m at the stage of my career where I’m just thankful to be here. I take every day as a blessing.” Recognizing Toronto’s formidable lineup, he hopes to contribute meaningfully, conscious of the team’s regular season successes and subsequent playoff challenges.

Toronto’s new head coach, Craig Berube, noted Pacioretty’s potential despite uncertainty due to past injuries. “What we like about him is his ability to score goals obviously,” Berube commented, praising Pacioretty’s physical playing style and veteran savvy.

Pacioretty’s NHL career has been marked by significant achievements. After being drafted in 2007’s first round by the Canadiens, he notched 30 goals or more in six of seven seasons and has amassed 330 goals and 668 points over 902 career games.

His exit from Montreal included rumored friction with former general manager Marc Bergevin and was speculated to have tensions with teammates, including defenceman P.K. Subban. Addressing these rumors, Pacioretty stated, “Ninety-nine percent of it was inaccurate. I have no hard feelings.”

As part of the Leafs, Pacioretty is prepared to embrace various roles, potentially mentoring younger players and adjusting to team dynamics. “I’m not just here to score goals or do some of the things I’ve done in the past,” he remarked, acknowledging that he is in a transitional phase of his career.

Meanwhile, Leafs goaltender Joseph Woll was reported to have experienced lower-body discomfort, and Anthony Stolarz will be starting against the Canadiens. Stolarz, who has played for multiple teams, brings his own recent success, having recorded a notable performance with the Florida Panthers last season.