Montreal Canadiens injury update: Max Pacioretty out 4 to 6 weeks
It’s likely Montreal Canadiens captain Max Pacioretty has played his last game of the 2017-18 season thanks to a knee injury
The Montreal Canadiens are having a frustrating season, to say the least. Injuries have derailed any chance of a late surge to get into the postseason. Shea Weber and Carey Price are both most likely out for the rest of the season. On Monday, March 5, the Canadiens announced captain Max Pacioretty will join them.
Their captain will miss the next four to six weeks thanks to a knee injury he sustained against the New York Islanders. Four weeks would have Pacioretty return for the final three games of the regular season. But considering the Canadiens are out of the postseason hunt, it would be baffling to have him out on the ice unless he’s 100 percent healthy.
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This could be Pacioretty’s last game, not just of the 2017-18 season, but also with the Habs. The Canadiens captain will become a free agent after next season. Montreal was reportedly open to trading him before the trade deadline but got no serious offers. Though the Florida Panthers and Anaheim Ducks were two teams who reportedly kicked the tires on Pacioretty.
Assuming his season is over, the Canadiens captain will finish the 2017-18 season with 17 goals, his lowest total since the 2012-13 lockout-shortened season. It’s also his lowest in a full season (minimum 53 games played).
Pacioretty put up 37 points in 64 games, which isn’t horrible. But still, not ideal for someone the Canadiens are hoping to trade. If Montreal wants to rebuild, they have no option but to either extend Pacioretty or trade him. Considering the captain will be turning 30 in November, the former might not be a viable option.
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This hurts the Canadiens because it’s hard for Pacioretty to build up his trade value if he’s not playing. And he’s coming off a disappointing season. This might be the last straw for Pacioretty in Montreal.
The Canadiens also announced young defenseman Victor Mete will miss the next six weeks with an injury of his own. This will end the surprising rookie contributor’s season earlier than expected.