The highly anticipated return to play could come in a few weeks for Max Pacioretty, who is recovering from a second serious injury to his right Achilles tendon.
The former Montreal Canadiens captain hasn't played since Jan. 19, when he tore his Achilles again five games into his return to the Carolina Hurricanes.
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His progress before practice, when he skates alone or with a Washington Capitals coach, is encouraging, head coach Spencer Carbery said Friday. The next step will be to add him to the core group.
“It should be ready in two to three weeks,” said the pilot, referring to Pacioretty’s return. We’re getting closer.”
The 35-year-old hockey player said in November that he had several dates marked on his calendar. The desire to play competitively again is becoming stronger and stronger. The American's last full season in the National League was 2021-2022, when he wore the Vegas Golden Knights jersey.
The Capitals are certainly looking forward to an in-form Pacioretty, who has long been considered one of the best snipers in the Bettman scene. In his career, he scored 645 points, including 326 goals, in 855 games.