Former Montreal Canadiens captain Max Pacioretty is set to join the University of Michigan after an impressive 17-season career in the NHL, as announced by the school on Tuesday. Pacioretty will assume the role of special assistant to head coach Brandon Naurato.
“After 17 seasons in the NHL, I’m excited to begin this next chapter with Michigan Hockey,” Pacioretty expressed in a statement. He extended his gratitude to the teammates, coaches, and fans who have supported him throughout his career. “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.”
At 36 years old, Pacioretty played last season with the Toronto Maple Leafs, where he achieved five goals and 13 points over 37 games. In the playoffs, he recorded three goals and eight points in 11 games until his team was eliminated by the eventual Stanley Cup champions, the Florida Panthers, in the second round. The 6-foot-2 winger faced challenges in securing a regular position due to two separate Achilles tendon tears suffered while with the Carolina Hurricanes.
Drafted 22nd overall by the Canadiens in 2007, Pacioretty accumulated 335 goals and 681 points in 939 career games across multiple teams, including the Canadiens, Vegas Golden Knights, Hurricanes, Washington Capitals, and Maple Leafs. His tenure in Montreal spanned 10 seasons, during which he captained the team for three years, notching 226 goals and 448 points in 626 contests. He also contributed to the Canadiens reaching the Eastern Conference Final in 2009 and 2014.
“Bringing in a guy like Max is huge for us,” Naurato remarked. “He’s experienced everything in the NHL and understands what it takes to perform and lead at the highest level. Our players will gain a wealth of knowledge from his insights into the game, preparation, and professionalism.”
Naurato emphasized the significance of having Pacioretty’s influence within the program. “Having an alumnus like Max around reminds our players that they’re part of something larger—the Michigan Hockey legacy.”
Pacioretty earned the Bill Masterton Trophy in 2012, awarded to the player who exemplifies perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to the sport after he successfully recovered from a concussion and fractured vertebra caused by a controversial hit from Zdeno Chara of the Boston Bruins the previous year.
A native of New Canaan, Connecticut, he represented the United States in the 2014 Winter Olympic Games, contributing an assist in a fourth-place finish. He also recorded two goals and 12 points at the 2012 World Championship, leading to a seventh-place result, and participated in the 2016 World Cup of Hockey with his national team.
