Photo credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
In a stunning development, it appears free agent forward Max Pacioretty has quietly retired and has taken up employment with the University of Michigan.
According to Maple Leafs Insider and Leafs Morning Take co-host Nick Alberga, free agent forward and former Toronto player Max Pacioretty has seemingly hung up the skates and has transitioned into working with the University of Michigan:
Despite interest from multiple clubs over the summer, Max Pacioretty appears to be hanging up his skates.
He is now working with the University of Michigan.
Last season, Pacioretty was once again beset by injuries however still managed 13 points in 37 games (5 goals, 8 assists) while also adding 8 points in 11 playoff games (5 goals, 3 assists).
Why Max Pacioretty Remains One of the NHL’s Most Resilient Veterans
Although he’s calling it a career, Pacioretty will go down as one of the most resilient and persevering players ever in the NHL.
Not only has he dealt with several injuries in his career, but two torn Achilles tendons which kept him out of action for two years and seriously put his career in jeopardy.
However, he bounced back briefly with Washington before going down again and he was signed to a PTO last year by the Maple Leafs. It was a weird feeling for fans as Pacioretty had captained their biggest rivals for years, but he quickly endeared himself to the fans.
If this is indeed it, and there’s no direction that points otherwise; Pacioretty will finish his career as one of the greatest American-born players ever, and has certainly earned his flowers.
In 939 career games he registered 681 points (335 goals, 346 assists), a plus-53, 1,257 hits and 58 career playoff points spread throughout a 17-year career.
Though he never won the big one, he did win the Masterton Trophy in 2011-12 and his best season came in 2014-15 where he had 67 points (37 goals, 30 assists) but was a blistering plus-38 and finished sixth in Selke voting.
But there might be a very important reason that Pacioretty decided to finish off his career as well.
This is a developing story. More details to come.
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