Remember Vegas Golden Knights legend Max Pacioretty? He was a terrific goal-scorer for the franchise, acquired from the Montreal Canadiens for a haul including Nick Suzuki. The winger turned out to be a solid contributor for the Golden Knights, scoring 97 goals and 97 assists in four seasons.
That included an All-Star appearance in 2019-20, where he finished with 32 goals and 34 assists. It's safe to say his tenure in Las Vegas was a productive one, bringing in plenty of solid offense.
He was eventually traded to the Carolina Hurricanes with Dylan Coghlan for future considerations. The tread on his tires was starting to show, with the player dealing with numerous injuries during his stay.
In the short term, the trade with Montreal made sense. You make that trade to win the Stanley Cup, which the Golden Knights did (ironically) after he went to the Hurricanes. It seemed like good timing on Kelly McCrimmon's part (then again, he's no stranger to this concept). The winger only produced seven goals and 19 points in the last two seasons.
Now? He's with the Toronto Maple Leafs, playing in a stacked forward lineup. Pacioretty signed a one-year deal worth $873,770 (base salary) to play with the club. With big names such as Mitch Marner, Auston Matthews, and William Nylander, the team looks to go all the way for their first Stanley Cup since 1967.
So how's the former All-Star doing in his new home up north? Has he scored any goals or assists with the Maple Leafs? Let's check in on the former Golden Knights star like we have with William Carrier and see how he's doing, eh?
How Max Pacioretty is doing with the Toronto Maple Leafs now
Max Pacioretty has produced some nice stats with the Maple Leafs during his tenure. He scored two goals and four assists in 13 games, making him a valuable veteran depth piece. However, the former Vegas Golden Knights star did suffer a setback recently.
Maple Leafs F Max Pacioretty has been placed on IR (lower body) and is listed as week-to-week.
— Leafs PR (@LeafsPR) November 11, 2024
F Max Domi and William Nylander will not practice today (maintenance).
This news shouldn't come as a shocker to Golden Knights fans. He suffered numerous injuries during his Vegas tenure, ranging from wrist injuries to lower-body complications. In turn, it complicated his legacy with the Golden Knights, playing only 224 games with the franchise.
Sure, he provided scoring for a team needing a standout goal-scorer. Names like Mark Stone and William Karlsson were great all-around players. But their purpose was more than scoring key goals. That's what Pacioretty's role was, whether on even strength or the power play.
As a result, his time was cut short in Las Vegas. Out he went and in came future considerations. Hmm... I wonder how that guy's doing?
Anyway, it's not surprising seeing the winger heading to the injured reserve again. What's more unfortunate is he was doing well with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He found his purpose on the team again, turning into a bona fide depth piece. Now, Maple Leafs fans won't see the former Masterton winner revitalize his career.
Is this it for the former Vegas Golden Knights winger?
Max Pacioretty will turn 36 years old on November 20, indicating the twilight of his incredible career. During his 17 years in the NHL, he scored 332 goals and 342 assists. Pacioretty was the focal point for franchises such as the Vegas Golden Knights and Montreal Canadiens, providing key scoring when needed.
Now? It appears that time might be ending soon. It's sad to see injuries and declining health strip one's ability to compete. However, Father Time is undefeated, and that's true with the winger coming towards his career ending. That's especially true when you're contributing some offense to a team competing for the Stanley Cup.
Will he get another opportunity in the NHL? Who knows? Crazier things have happened, including an ageless Jaromir Jagr still playing professional hockey. Therefore, a "never say never" side could see Pacioretty play again. But as it stands, it's not a guarantee.
Golden Knights fans will remember the 35-year-old as a goal-scoring machine who couldn't stay healthy. Toronto Maple Leafs fans will look at him differently, seeing a player past his prime. Whatever the case, the comeback story looks like it's ending. This time, it doesn't have a happy ending.