Max Pacioretty Announces Retirement
Max Pacioretty has officially announced his retirement from professional hockey after a notable 17-year tenure in the NHL. The former player, known for his time with teams such as the Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs, is heading back to his roots to contribute to the hockey program at the University of Michigan, where he will serve as Special Assistant to Head Coach Brandon Naurato.
Transition to Coaching
This transition comes as a natural conclusion for Pacioretty, who faced numerous challenges due to severe Achilles injuries throughout his career. “I’m thrilled to embark on this new journey with Michigan Hockey,” Pacioretty expressed in a statement. He extended his gratitude towards teammates, coaches, and fans who have supported him over the years.
“Hockey has provided me with so much, and I’m eager to help guide the next wave of players. Michigan is renowned for developing top-notch talent, and I’m excited to impart my experiences to assist them in their growth—both on and off the ice. Additionally, this role allows me to be more present with my family and actively engage with my four sons in youth hockey, which is very important to me as a father.”
Career Highlights
Last year, Pacioretty joined the Toronto Maple Leafs on a professional tryout deal and later signed a one-year contract with bonuses totaling $1.5 million. Unfortunately, after battling two ruptured Achilles tendons that significantly affected his performance, he managed to record only five goals and eight assists across 37 regular season appearances with Toronto. Nonetheless, he proved more effective in the playoffs, scoring three goals and registering five assists in 11 games, helping his team to progress through tough matchups.
His important Game 6 goal against the Ottawa Senators played a vital role in Toronto advancing in the playoffs, after they had initially lost a two-game lead. After the playoffs concluded with Toronto’s exit against the Florida Panthers, Pacioretty reflected on the challenges his family faced while he played away from home in Toronto.
Final Statistics
His return to Michigan, where he will focus on developing young athletes, is deemed a fulfilling next step in his career. Throughout his NHL journey, he concluded with impressive statistics of 389 goals and 399 assists for a total of 788 points across 939 games throughout his stints with the Canadiens, Golden Knights, Hurricanes, Capitals, and Maple Leafs.
