Max Pacioretty Joins Toronto Maple Leafs Amidst a Career of Challenges and Triumphs

Max Pacioretty‘s professional hockey career has spanned 16 seasons, traversing five different organizations in Canada and the United States. At 35, Pacioretty finds himself embarking on a new chapter with the Toronto Maple Leafs, a team that, despite its regular season success, continues to seek its first Stanley Cup victory since 1967.

Once a captain of the Montreal Canadiens, Pacioretty expressed his gratitude for the opportunities he has experienced. “Being the captain meant everything to me … and I spent 10 of the best years of my life here,” stated Pacioretty before facing his former team at the Bell Centre during the regular-season opener. “Whether it’s being American, Canadian, or French-Canadian, it’s always an honour.”

Entering this season, Pacioretty’s career has been marked by persistent injuries, particularly issues with his Achilles tendon. Last season, he was limited to five games with the Carolina Hurricanes but went on to play 47 games for the Washington Capitals. His recent move to the Maple Leafs began with a professional tryout contract on September 11, which transitioned into a one-year league-minimum deal after a strong exhibition performance.

New head coach Craig Berube acknowledged the uncertainties surrounding Pacioretty due to his injury history, but noted his improvement over time in camp. Berube commented on Pacioretty’s strengths, saying, “What we like about him is his ability to score goals obviously. He’s a big, strong guy who can hang onto pucks in the offensive zone; a veteran player who’s responsible.”

Pacioretty’s legacy involves not just a goal-scoring prowess but also controversy. His time with the Canadiens included speculation of feuds with then-general manager Marc Bergevin and teammates. Deflecting these rumours, Pacioretty stated, “I can’t control everything that was ever said, or the ideas out there … I never took it personally.”

Transitioning to a leadership role with the Leafs, Pacioretty is prepared to adapt to whatever roles are required, from mentoring younger players to contributing on the ice. “I’m not just here to score goals or do some of the things I’ve done in the past,” he mentioned. “I’m at a different stage in my career.”

As Pacioretty integrates into the Maple Leafs roster, Toronto goaltender Joseph Woll is dealing with lower-body tightness, leading to Anthony Stolarz starting against the Canadiens. Dennis Hildeby has been called up from Toronto’s AHL affiliate to provide backup.