Max Pacioretty Reflects on His Time with the Canadiens: "Playing in Toronto Comes With Much Less Pressure"

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Chris Gerics
September 26, 2024 (12:39)

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Max Pacioretty pulled no punches when he mentioned how he feels so far about being a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs, ahead of their preseason game against Montreal.

The rivalry between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Montreal Canadiens stretches over 100 years, with both Original Six teams often fighting for supremacy in the early days of the NHL. There is a special feeling in the air when both these teams meet, whether it be in the preseason or the postseason and it mirrors other legendary sports rivalries such as the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees or Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers. The countless legends who have made their mark on this historic journey are vast and iconic; Maurice Richard, Ken Dryden, Johnny Bower, Mats Sundin.

Former captain of the Canadiens, Max Pacioretty signed a PTO with the Maple Leafs this offseason and a lot of fans were questioning whether or not it was a good move to bring aboard the 35-year old. However, he's looked incredibly smooth and healthy this preseason so far, and he can be a huge contributor to the Maple Leafs as he once was with Montreal. Ahead of their preseason game against the Canadiens on Thursday, Pacioretty spoke from the heart about what it means to be in Toronto.

"You don't choose the Maple Leaf, the Maple Leaf chooses you. When you put on the sweater, it almost feels like you're a little plant being watered and one day collectively with Leafs Nation , you're going to sprout into this beautiful maple tree and provide thick, rich syrup for families across the country. That's why it's so special being a Maple Leaf and the kids felt the passion in the air immediately."

He also took a little shot at Montreal, explaining that as much as he loves the jersey; his kids love it more:

«My kids say it's best looking jersey they've seen on me».

He later clarified his statement, even if it was to save a little face; for his children's sake at least.

«My kids say it's best jersey I've worn, how it looks on me in terms of maybe just how it fits me.»

Tough to hear if you're a Montreal fan. For someone who spent ten years as one of the premier players on the team, a former captain, and someone still beloved by Canadiens fans (to some degree); Pacioretty clearly thrives in the spotlight. In his time with Montreal, he put together 226 goals and 222 assists in 626 games; his best season with the Habs came in 2014-2015 when he potted 37 goals and 30 assists. He never found much postseason success with the Canadiens, but he did lead them to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2013-2014 where they unfortunately lost to the New York Rangers.

Pacioretty, as much as he took a dig at his former team showed nothing but love for the Montreal Canadiens after being traded to Vegas, but admitted that the spotlight that he thrives in can be a bit too bright sometimes.

"There just seems to be so much less pressure, and whether you admit it or not, you just go about your everyday life in such an easier manner that it really (takes) so much less of a toll on you," he said. "Whether you're a leader or a young guy, there's no media here. Even if you don't read the media in Montreal, you know what's being said."

He added: "I was so used to (coming) to the rink after a loss - two or three losses - and it's the end of the world. No one's talking to each other, and it's heavy. You go out to dinner and everyone's complaining about the team, and the traffic, and the weather. In Vegas, you can lose three in a row and everyone's still positive."

While he did enjoy a respite from the craziness of a hockey town for a bit, being brought into Toronto, especially as an older player with ties to a heated rival; the spotlight is once again thrust on him. He made note of this during his brief time with the media:

Bringing in Pacioretty was something that GM Brad Treliving wanted, whether fans agreed or not. Maple Leafs fans can be very hot and cold depending on the smallest factors and Pacioretty is no exception. He's going to have to prove he belongs after two years of injury filled seasons, and fans are hopeful he can find chemistry with fellow veteran John Tavares sooner rather than later, and make Toronto's decision feel like yet another swing and a miss. Pacioretty is not too far removed from averaging 24 goals during his stint in Vegas, and Toronto can gain a massive boost for their hopeful playoff run; his playoff performances are as consistent as can be (25 goals, 25 assists); something Toronto desperately needs if the Core Four don't show up.

Adding Max Pacioretty to the Maple Leafs could be one of the shrewdest moves of the offseason if he were to put together a strong campaign and help push Toronto into a deep playoff run. He's healthy, he's motivated, and he clearly loves the atmosphere in Toronto, and on top of it all, gets to add his name to the historic rivalry between Montreal and Toronto.

But this time, he's in the blue and white corner.