NEED TO KNOW
With everything that has been going on around the Montreal Canadiens recently, it would be no surprise if Max Pacioretty and his teammates were a bit distracted. Thankfully for Max, the Habs and their fans, they have stayed the course and remain amongst the top teams in the NHL in the early going of the season. The big, offensively-gifted winger from Connecticut has continued his development in 2014-15, assuming a more defined leadership role both on and off the ice. When in uniform, Max is once again displaying his high-end offensive talents, currently leading the club in goal-scoring (13) and points (22). Max is again showing his sought-after combination of size, strength and offensive ability on a nightly basis that makes him one of the league’s toughest players to contain as well as one of the game’s best power forwards. His strength, physical play, scoring touch and poise in front of the cameras, in what is possibly the most difficult market in the NHL to operate, are just a few of the reasons why he appears to be a pillar in the Canadiens’ plans moving forward.
Off the ice, the 26-year-old who has made Montreal his home, is accepting of the mantle of being a player who can speak on behalf of his teammates, as well as lead by example. Two recent examples of this were his understanding and respect for the magnitude and emotional impact of the passing of Jean Beliveau, as well as his involvement in the Habs’ trip to the Montreal Children’s Hospital.
Our patient, Tristan, chats with his new @CanadiensMTL pal, Max Pacioretty @patches67! pic.twitter.com/0CPcIDClfD
— Montréal Children's (@HopitalChildren) December 15, 2014
Thanks to his play, his leadership and his community involvement, Max Pacioretty is the NHLPA.com Player of the Week!
BIOGRAPHY
Born in New Canaan, Connecticut, United States on November 20, 1988
Drafted in the 1st round, 22nd overall by the Montreal Canadiens in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft
Played for the Wolverines at the University of Michigan for one season and was named the CCHA Rookie of the Year
Represented the United States internationally at the 2008 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship and the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympic Games
