Capitals sign Max Pacioretty

The Washington Capitals have bolstered their top six forwards by signing Max Pacioretty. He’s a six time 30 goal scorer that ranked seventh in the NHL in goals from 2013 14 to 2020 21. The Cpas signed him to a one year deal worth $2 million plus an additional $2 million in performance based incentives.

Capitals GM Brian MacLellan said in a press release from the Caps:

“Max has proven to be a consistent goal scorer in his career and has the necessary skill set to play in every situation. We’re confident that he’ll be a great contributor to our team at a cap number that suits our club.”

The 34 year old has recorded 645 points in 855 career games with the Carolina Hurricanes, Vegas Golden Knights, and Montreal Canadiens. He has 326 goals and 319 assists.

The six foot two, 217 pound forward was limited to five games with Carolina last season due to injury, scoring three goals in five appearances, including a two goal effort in his second game of the season on Jan. 7 at the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Pacioretty was originally drafted by Montreal in the first round at 22nd overall in the 2007 NHL Draft. He was named the 29th captain in Habs franchise history in 2015 and served in that role for his final three seasons with the club.

In addition, he won the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy in 2012, given to the NHL player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.

In 74 playoff games, Pacioretty has recorded 49 points with 25 goals and 24 assists including seven game winning goals. During the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs with Vegas, he led the Golden Knights in points per game at 0.85 and game winning goals with three. He also ranked tied for second on the team in goals with five and points with 11.

Internationally, the New Canaan, Connecticut native has represented the United States at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey, the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi and the 2008 World Junior Championship.

This is exactly the type of forward that MacLellan has been searching for. He will be perfect in the second line right wing spot next to either Nicklas Backstrom, Dylan Strome, or Evgeny Kuznetsov.