Max Pacioretty Likely to Retire After Elimination From the Florida Panthers
Photo credit: Edit from Vegas Hockey Knight
After a crushing Leafs elimination at the hands of the Florida Panthers, Max Pacioretty may be ready to call it quits, as he is expected to retire shortly.
Max Pacioretty's signing with the Toronto Maple Leafs raised some eyebrows initially, but they shouldn't have. Although fans had wanted to see more young players on the ice, Pacioretty showed his value, particularly when it was crunch time.
Having signed a professional tryout, the veteran winger slotted into a bottom-six spot and played when it counted. In 11 playoff appearances, he accumulated eight points (three goals, five assists), including the goal that sent Toronto to the second round.
He also led the club with 61 hits during that time, upping his game and helping in a gruff way.
Even after fighting through injuries all season long, Pacioretty was able to score 13 points in 37 games and was seventh on the team in hits despite seeing limited minutes.
Pacioretty doesn't have a Stanley Cup yet, which could play a factor whether he returns
He remains Stanley Cup-less at age 36, and as for whether he plays next year or not, that is undetermined. Questioned during the playoffs, he was still being coy about his future.
"This year was very difficult for me, being away from my family, so I'm really excited just to get home and be with them, and talk to them about what's next in life," Pacioretty told the media. "But in terms of playing, that's difficult to answer right now."
If he does choose to play in 2025-26, his solid postseason play will make him a high-class depth pickup, maybe even for a second tour with Toronto.
He adjusted to playing in a pressure situation nicely, and if not hurt, he can be brought back on the cheap. Family will weigh heavily in the decision, though, and whatever that next step happens to be, it will be for him.
| POLL | ||
MAI 21 | 397 ANSWERS Max Pacioretty Likely to Retire After Elimination From the Florida Panthers Do you believe we have seen the last of Max Pacioretty playing in the NHL? | ||
| Yes | 234 | 58.9 % |
| No | 163 | 41.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
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