Max Pacioretty and the Vegas Golden Knights could be set for a reunion soon.
The veteran forward has been a notable absentee for the Vegas Golden Knights, who have had to start life in The Bubble in Edmonton without their top-six forward.
Pacioretty didn’t travel to Edmonton with the Golden Knights, instead remaining in Vegas after missing the final four chunk of Training Camp.
It is unclear as to what exactly has been ailing the veteran, although we do know that he won’t need to self-quarantine for a considerable amount of time once he arrives in The Bubble.
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We do know that Pacioretty sustained a minor injury according to Head Coach Peter DeBoer, although it has dragged on sparking fears that the ailment may be worst that first thought.
Also, given the world we currently live in, any absence will cause some to think it is COVID-19 related.
The good news is that, according to SinBin, Pacioretty is “progressing well and should be joining us soon,” per DeBoer.
Let’s hope that’s the case.
After all, Pacioretty played arguably some of the best hockey of his long and distinguished career during the 2019-20 regular season.
In 71 games Pacioretty recorded 32 goals and 34 assists for 66 points, falling just short of carving out a career-year due to the shortened season while leading the Golden Knights in goals, points and power play points (19).
He was valuable in a number of different metrics and, furthermore, boasts a wealth of experience including some exposure to the postseason.
Max Pacioretty has not joined the team in the bubble yet. He is "progressing well" and should "be joining us soon," says DeBoer.
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) August 1, 2020
Pacioretty was without a doubt the most potent weapon for the Golden Knights this year and, while there are options that can fill in on the top line, you need your best players healthy and on the ice in order to win a Stanley Cup.
Plus, that mouthwatering top line of Mark Stone, William Karlsson and Pacioretty showed a lot of promise during the regular season, and those three could really cause some damage in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
So, the Golden Knights will be praying that Pacioretty can indeed head out to Edmonton soon and the hope will be that happens before the actual Stanley Cup Playoffs get underway.
Vegas is currently preparing to take on the Dallas Stars in the first of a three-game, round-robin tournament on Monday, before facing the St. Louis Blues and the Colorado Avalanche.
Although those games will dictate seeding for the Playoffs, the Golden Knights have enough weapons to get through those three contests but having Pacioretty back for Round 1 will be a priority.
His ability to play in all situations, the way he shoots the puck and his experience and leadership will all be vital ingredients for Vegas.
With the First Round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs slated to begin on Aug. 11, there is enough time to get Pacioretty into the Bubble and back up to speed without rushing the veteran.
It is great news therefore that Max Pacioretty is progressing well and the sooner the star makes a return to the ice the better for the Vegas Golden Knights and their Stanley Cup aspirations.