Max Pacioretty Joins Toronto Maple Leafs, Reflects on Career

Max Pacioretty, a veteran left-winger with a storied National Hockey League (NHL) career, has found a new home with the Toronto Maple Leafs. The former captain of the Montreal Canadiens expressed his gratitude and excitement about the opportunity to join one of the league’s most renowned teams.

Speaking at the Bell Centre prior to a season-opening game against his former team, Pacioretty said, “Being the captain meant everything to me … and I spent 10 of the best years of my life here.” He continued, noting the honor he feels, regardless of nationality or cultural background, in playing for such prestigious organizations in both Canada and the United States.

Now entering his 16th NHL season, Pacioretty has persevered through numerous injuries, including significant issues with his Achilles tendon. Last season, his play was restricted to five games with the Carolina Hurricanes. Nonetheless, he managed to participate in 47 games the previous year with the Washington Capitals.

The Leafs signed Pacioretty on a professional tryout contract on September 11. His impressive performance during pre-season games, where he scored three goals and notched five points, secured him a one-year contract with the team worth the league minimum of $873,770 USD.

Pacioretty stated, “I’m at the stage of my career where I’m just thankful to be here. I take every day as a blessing.” He acknowledged the need to prove himself to both the team and himself. Pacioretty, who has yet to win a Stanley Cup, joins a team known for regular-season success but playoff challenges. “Everyone knows we have a strong team here with some of the best players in the world. I’m grateful to be part of this game and be part of a team like this,” he added.

Toronto’s new head coach, Craig Berube, admitted there were uncertainties about Pacioretty’s form post-injury. “What we like about him is his ability to score goals obviously,” Berube commented, appreciating Pacioretty’s strength and veteran presence.

Pacioretty’s history goes back to the 2007 NHL draft, where he was selected 22nd overall by the Canadiens. He became the team’s 29th captain in 2015. His tenure in Montreal was not without controversy, amidst speculations about feuds with former general manager Marc Bergevin and tensions in the dressing room, notably with teammate P.K. Subban.

“I can’t control everything that was ever said or the ideas out there,” said Pacioretty, dismissing the controversies as mostly inaccurate and noting he holds no grudges.

In the meantime, the Leafs will be cautious with Pacioretty, likely assigning him various roles, including mentorship, as he might not play every night. “I’m not just here to score goals or do some of the things I’ve done in the past,” Pacioretty reflected.

In related news, Toronto’s goaltender Joseph Woll experienced some lower-body tightness, leading to Anthony Stolarz starting against Montreal. Stolarz has a record of strong performances, having played last season with the Florida Panthers, and Dennis Hildeby has been called up to serve as backup.