Max Pacioretty Officially Calling It a Career After 16 Seasons, Next Chapter Revealed
Photo credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
In a stunning development, 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.
He is now working with the University of Michigan.
However, we can update that Pacioretty's retirement is indeed confirmed
The University of Michigan also put out an official statement both on their social media and in a follow-up post:
"Bringing in a guy like Max is huge for us," Naurato said. "He's been through it all in the NHL and knows what it takes to play and lead at the highest level.
Our players are going to learn a ton from the way he sees the game, how he prepares and how he carries himself. It's exciting to have that kind of experience around every day.
Having an alum like Max back around the program reminds our players that they're part of something bigger, and that's the Michigan Hockey legacy.
Our players are going to learn a ton from the way he sees the game, how he prepares and how he carries himself. It's exciting to have that kind of experience around every day.
Having an alum like Max back around the program reminds our players that they're part of something bigger, and that's the Michigan Hockey legacy.
Pacioretty himself was thrilled with the chance to give back to the flourishing young NCAA hockey community in Michigan as well:
After 17 seasons in the NHL, I'm excited to begin this next chapter with Michigan Hockey.
I'm so thankful for the teammates, coaches and fans who have been a part of my journey. Hockey has given me so much, and now I have the opportunity to help develop the next generation of players.
Michigan has a tradition of producing elite talent, and I can't wait to share what I've learned to help these guys grow on and off the ice.
Just as important, this next step allows me to be closer to my family and spend more time with my kids.
I'm going to be coaching my four boys in youth hockey and that's something I'll really cherish as a dad.
I'm so thankful for the teammates, coaches and fans who have been a part of my journey. Hockey has given me so much, and now I have the opportunity to help develop the next generation of players.
Michigan has a tradition of producing elite talent, and I can't wait to share what I've learned to help these guys grow on and off the ice.
Just as important, this next step allows me to be closer to my family and spend more time with my kids.
I'm going to be coaching my four boys in youth hockey and that's something I'll really cherish as a dad.
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.
Potential Reasons Max Pacioretty Didn't Return to the Maple Leafs
Well besides the injuries, it seems that Pacioretty was feeling a bit homesick and being away from his family was weighing heavily on him.
He lives in Michigan so it makes perfect sense as to why he would take up employment there, and while he had his suitors and undoubtedly a couple million extra in his pocket; family comes first.
Plus, why would he want to risk getting injured yet again and put the future of his well-being in jeopardy? If he can end up making a better life for himself now and enjoy time with his family, why wouldn't he?
There was also a chance that he didn't come back to Toronto simply because they had no room for him and while there were preliminary talks previously, that died off and we heard nothing until now.
So congratulations to Max Pacioretty for a great career and although it may not have ended the way he wanted, at least he's able to go out on his own terms.
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