"My kids say it’s best looking": Max Pacioretty on donning Maple Leafs jersey after serving as Canadiens' captain for three seasons

By Ankit Kumar

Modified Sep 26, 2024 16:51 GMT

Max Pacioretty recently shared his thoughts on wearing a Toronto Maple Leafs jersey after leading the Montreal Canadiens for three seasons. Despite spending 10 years with Montreal, Pacioretty said he doesn't feel awkward about the switch and that his kids even think the Maple Leafs jersey is the best he has worn.

Max Pacioretty is married to Katia Afinogenova and the couple have five children together. Their youngest child is a daughter named Stella who was born in October 2020. They also have four sons named Lorenzo, Max, James and Michael.

He shared with reporters on Thursday his experience of donning the Maple Leafs jersey.

"It’s an honor to wear it [Leafs jersey]. I don’t see why I would feel otherwise," Pacioretty said. "My kids say it’s the best jersey that I’ve worn… it’s such an honor to wear both jerseys. Two original six teams, obviously the history of both teams, that side of it definitely doesn’t feel weird at all. I’m proud of it."

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Max Pacioretty's professional tryout agreement with Maple Leafs

Max Pacioretty signed a professional tryout agreement with the Toronto Maple Leafs on September 11. Last season, he played only 47 games with the Washington Capitals due to injuries. He recorded four goals and 19 assists.

During Sunday's preseason game against the Ottawa Senators, Pacioretty scored two goals. He showed that he could still be a valuable player as he was also expected to contribute to the power play. He had 11 of his 23 points last season while playing with the man advantage.

"He had a pretty solid game," Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube said during the postgame conference, per TSN. "I know he scored two goals, but he was strong out there. I thought he was physical and strong on pucks. He did a lot of good things."

William Nylander also praised Pacioretty.

"He's been terrific. Working really hard in camp."

Despite his promising game on Sunday, there are still doubts about his ability to stay healthy and consistently perform well.

Max Pacioretty's role in the team per Leafs GM

If Max Pacioretty can remain healthy, he could compete for a top-six role on the team.

"Our expectation is he's going to come in, he gives us more depth,” GM Brad Treliving said after Pacioretty signed his PTO deal, per NHL.com.

Pacioretty was a consistent scorer and recorded more than 60 points in six seasons earlier in his career. While it may be too much to expect him to return to that level, he believes he can still help the Maple Leafs offensively this season.