The Montreal Canadiens have made some bold moves this offseason and may not be done.
The Canadiens acquired Noah Dobson in Zachary Bolduc in two of the bigger trades this offseason. Yet, Montreal could still use some more depth at forward, and the Canadiens could look at a franchise icon to bring back.
NHL analyst Michael Augello of The Hockey News links the Canadiens to a reunion with Max Pacioretty.
“They say you can never go home again. But the Canadiens, after surprisingly making the post-season, are looking to add some experience to support their young core group,” Augello wrote. “The issue is that Pacioretty is likely to be a part-time player as he has been the last couple of seasons. The Habs need someone who can be in the lineup most of the time.”
Pacioretty was selected 22nd overall in 2007 by the Canadiens and spent 10 seasons in Montreal as the face of the franchise. Pacioretty served as the captain for three seasons. Given that he’s reaching the end of his career, he could look to return to Montreal.
The 36-year-old would be a depth player for the Canadiens at this stage of his career. Yet, he still could add some secondary scoring and be a leader on and off the ice for the young core.
Pacioretty spent last season with the Toronto Maple Leafs, where he recorded 5 goals and 8 assists for 13 points in 37 games. In the playoffs, Pacioretty added 3 goals and 5 assists for 11 points in 8 games, showing that he can still be an effective player in the NHL.
Pacioretty Isn’t Sure if He’ll Continue Playing
After the Maple Leafs were eliminated from the playoffs, Pacioretty wasn’t sure what the future held.
The soon-to-be 37-year-old admitted the year was tough being away from his family, and he wasn’t sure if he’d play again.
“This year was very difficult for me, being away from my family,” Pacioretty said in his end-of-season media availability on May 20. “I’m really excited to just get home and be with them, and talk to them about what’s next in life. But in terms of playing, that’s difficult to answer right now.”
However, perhaps he would like to play one more season. If he does, ending his career where it started in Montreal makes sense. He would get the hero’s welcome back in Montreal. And, he would look to help the Canadiens get over the hump and compete for a Stanley Cup.
Pacioretty has also skated in 939 career games. So, perhaps he comes back in hopes of reaching 1000 career NHL games.
Pacioretty Enjoyed Time With Canadiens
With Montreal, Pacioretty was a legit superstar in the city and a franchise icon.
As Toronto returned to Montreal last season, he spoke to the media and called it the best 10 years of his life.
“Being the captain meant everything to me. And, I spent 10 of the best years of my life here,” Pacioretty said. “Whether it’s being American, Canadian, French-Canadian, it’s always an honor.”
Pacioretty ranks 30th all-time in the Canadiens’ franchise history in points.
Canadiens Linked to Reunion With Franchise Icon to Add Forward Depth