Max Pacioretty

Max Pacioretty is an American left winger who served as captain of the Montreal Canadiens and became one of the most productive American-born goal scorers of his generation, despite battling significant injuries later in his career.

Max Pacioretty was born in New Canaan, Connecticut in 1988. Montreal Canadiens selected him 22nd overall in the 2007 NHL Draft. His career produced 337 goals and 306 assists for 643 career points. He was selected to one All-Star game. He won Olympic silver with the USA in 2014. He served as the Montreal Canadiens' captain from 2015 to 2018. He scored 37 goals for Montreal in 2011-12 and 39 goals in 2014-15. His career was severely disrupted by a torn ACL in both his Achilles tendon and a severe chest injury suffered in 2022 that required emergency surgery and nearly ended his career. His comeback attempts after the injuries were limited. He is the most prolific American scorer in Canadiens history. The hit he received from Zdeno Chára in 2011 — which fractured his neck — and his recovery from that injury to score 281 goals in subsequent seasons is one of hockey's more remarkable individual injury stories.

Pacioretty possessed one of the NHL's most dangerous wrist shots, particularly effective from the left circle on the power play. He combined his 6'2" frame with excellent positioning to create scoring chances in traffic and around the net. His ability to find soft spots in defensive coverage and release the puck quickly made him a consistent 30-goal threat throughout his prime.

• Montreal Canadiens captain (2015-2018)
• multiple 30+ goal NHL seasons