Canadiens General Manager Bob Gainey announced Thursday the signing of forward Max Pacioretty to a three-year contract (2008-09 to 2010-11). As per club policy, financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“Max Pacioretty is a young player with a lot of skills who has the potential to play in the NHL. We are very happy to have him under contract for years to come. We feel he is ready to make the jump to professional hockey, and we will make sure to provide him with all the resources which will benefit his long-term development as a player,’’ said Bob Gainey.
Pacioretty, a native of New Canaan, Connecticut, completed in 2007-08 his freshman season in the NCAA with the University of Michigan Wolverines of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA). The 19-year-old ranked fourth in scoring with the Wolverines with 39 points in 37 games (15 goals, 24 assists), posting a plus-31 rating along with 59 penalty minutes.
Pacioretty (6’02’’, 199 lbs) finished second on the team in plus-minus (+31) and powerplay goals (9). He also scored three game-winning goals and registered 109 shots on goal. The left winger was named the CCHA Rookie of the Year, and was named to the College Hockey News All-Rookie team and the CCHA All-Rookie team. He finished fifth in U.S. college hockey among rookies in points (39) and points per game (1.05). He was also Recipient of the Mickey and Wally Grant Scholarship for Men’s Ice Hockey.
Habster:
I didn’t see this happening until next year so it’s a bit surprising to hear the Canadiens signed the big, talented left winger. Needless to say, Max Pacioretty was very impressive at this year’s development camp and was by far the best prospect at the camp but with that being said, I’m not sure he will be best served playing pro this season.
I don’t profess to know more about player development than great hockey minds like Bob Gainey and Trevor Timmins though I’m slightly concerned that a solid 19 year old prospect is being rushed into something he might not be totally prepared for.
It’s very obvious that Timmins feels Pacioretty is ready to make the next step in his hockey development and wouldn’t benefit any further playing at the NCAA level. He did have an excellent freshman year by scoring 39 points in 37 games (regular and playoff games) and displayed a solid two way game with a +31.
Timmins and his scouting staff have provided the Canadiens with great scouting and player development throughout his career with Montreal. He has proved his worth and knows what is best for these players so I hope my gut feeling as a knowledgeable hockey fan and keen observer is wrong.
My concern is Pacioretty will possibly become another Guillaume Latendresse who was rushed to the NHL without playing a single game at the AHL level where he really needed to develop his game.
Granted, Max Pacioretty isn’t the same player as Latendresse and will most likely start his professional hockey career with the Hamilton Bulldogs as he doesn’t have any restrictions where he can play next season. Pacioretty’s game/skill set is much more NHL compatible than Latendresse’s with his better skating and two way game.
On the flip side, if “Pac-man” does succeed at the pro level like the organization expects him to, he will provide the Habs with the scoring power forward they have sought for years. A big, skilled forward who will add more size and grit at the forward position…….. Gheez, maybe my fears are unfounded and I should just enjoy the “Pac-man” era!!!!