The Montreal Canadiens are looking to move Max Pacioretty as soon as possible. The captain’s contract expires at the end of the coming season and there will not be an extension. The Habs are also unlikely to be contenders this year. As such, Pacioretty is on the trade block and probably on the move soon.
Where could he end up? The first thought is the San Jose Sharks. The Sharks were reportedly close to a deal for Pacioretty at the NHL Draft but couldn’t get it done. Since then, they missed out on John Tavares and are still in need of scoring with cap space to spare.
San Jose was not alone in losing out in the Tavares sweepstakes. Assuming the Boston Bruins are an unlikely destination given their status as Montreal’s biggest rivals, that still leaves teams like the Dallas Stars and New York Islanders as possibilities. The Islanders in particular are in major need of a boost up front and have the young assets to make a deal.
Teams that have previously shown interest in Pacioretty include the Florida Panthers and Nashville Predators. The Panthers already landed Mike Hoffman this off-season and are lacking cap space, but could still potentially make it work. The Predators have significantly more space and some intriguing young pieces to offer and would be a team that Pacioretty certainly wouldn’t mind ending up with long-term.
As always, the Pittsburgh Penguins and Chicago Blackhawks cannot be ruled out. Their respective GM’s are always in on the action and both teams are known to be looking for offensive depth. Would Pittsburgh consider swapping Derick Brassard in a deal for Pacioretty? Could Chicago use their newfound cap space from the Hossa trade to bring in a similar scorer? The answer to both of these questions is a definitive maybe.
Who do you think needs Pacioretty most or can put together the best offer?
Bruins or Devils
I can’t see Habs and Bruins hooking up, but maybe NJ. I also think Florida works but no one seems willing to give up that high end centre and if Montreal doesn’t get a couple, it’s gonna be another LONG season!
No need to wait for the trade. It’s going to be a long season.
Yeah, Habs are going nowhere again this season it looks like
Habs are a mess, Bergevin has completely torn apart a roster that was full of upper echelon skill when he first got there. The Molson family’s trust in him has been a huge mistake
He’s def gonna be a Shark!
Reunited with Radulov on the 2nd line in Dallas
going to be dealt to Nashville. then they win the cup with pk, patches and Turris while the Canadians and Sens battle it out for the basement in the league.
The only way Pacioretty ends up in Boston is if the trade happens like the Hoffman trade. A team trades for Pacioretty then flips him to Boston. I doubt Montreal trades him directly to the Bruins.
Bruins have this center that starts with K that I am sure will serve Mtl well as a 1st or 2nd liner…
Leaving Bruins with just 1 center. Not to mention Habs would not be interested. They want pieces to rebuild with, youth.
Sharks or preds probably, maybe pitt as a dark horse but it wouldn’t be a smart trade for them.
Blackhawks
Blackhawks
Buffalo Needs Him !!!
Sabres
Might’ve worked before ROR trade, now Buf has nothing @ C that could help MTL immediately
Bergie deals him to Hawks.
The Jets
Montreal will trade PAC
For Little and Perreault.
the jets aren’t bringing back statsny and now you think they are trading 2 centres? not happening. not to mention I doubt Montreal wants Littles contract back.