If the Montreal Canadiens are interested in bringing back a familiar face to the Habs fold during the offseason and are able to reach a deal with unrestricted free agent Max Pacioretty, then they may consider doing so. Neither the Habs organization nor any of its members will reveal their plans. However, according to Blain Potvin of The Hockey Writers, “some are hoping to see Max Pacioretty return to Montreal as a UFA.” Potvin believes that this type of homecoming could be “a way to find closure for Pacioretty and Habs fans.”
In the first ten years of his career, Pacioretty was a member of the Montreal Canadiens, where he received the opportunity to earn the “C” for the franchise by serving as the captain of the Habs. Potvin is of the opinion that he has the potential to establish a veteran presence for the squad as it finishes the process of rebuilding. According to what Potvin stated, “He was captain of the Canadiens during a time when the team was struggling, and a return at a time when they are working their way out of a rebuild could be fitting.”
It has been reported by PuckPedia that the Canadiens have a cap space of $10.2 million, which allows them to fill their roster. As of the 10th of July, Montreal can count 19 of its 23 players as being under contract with the team. Pacioretty should be available in return for a one-year contract worth $1.5 million, according to Daily Faceoff, which uses AFP contract projections. This contract would easily fit into Montreal’s cap space but would be up for negotiation.
