Washington Capitals forward Max Pacioretty was ready to end his career in the National Hockey League, saying he had been thinking about the idea for about three months after tearing his right Achilles tendon for the second time.
The American first suffered this injury in the summer of 2022 and had surgery to treat it. In his return to play on January 5, 2023, Pacioretty played in just five games for the Carolina Hurricanes, scoring three goals. On January 19, 2023, he tore another tendon during a game against the Minnesota Wild.
Despite his considerations, he decided against pursuing retirement. Despite the difficult times he has had to go through, he wants to set an example of resilience for those close to him.
“When I look at the situation with my children and my family, I don’t want to tell them that I gave up something that I could have continued,” the former Montreal Canadiens captain admitted at a press conference Monday morning. That’s why it’s important for me, but also for my family, to show that we can all do it together.”
Back to the game soon?
The 34-year-old winger has made three appearances on the ice in his return to form. On Saturday, he notably ran alone after the team optionally practiced for the evening game against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
The main person concerned also has a clear idea of when he could return to the game and play a first game with his new team.
“Personally, I know when I want to come back, but I haven’t spoken to anyone about it,” said the outsider. I was already there. I marked a few dates on the calendar. Ultimately it is out of my control. I haven’t spoken to the team about this.
He is convinced that his return to sport will allow him to find a more normal rhythm of life.
“I feel like I still have a lot of hockey left to give,” Pacioretty added. I’m a different person when I’m on the ice, even if it’s only for 15 minutes and without the puck.
In 855 career games for the Canadiens, Vegas Golden Knights and Hurricanes, the former 2007 first-round pick has accumulated 326 goals and 645 points.