Career Timeline of Max Pacioretty: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Max Pacioretty, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Max Pacioretty is an American professional ice hockey left winger currently playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs in the NHL. Known for his scoring ability and leadership, Pacioretty previously captained the Montreal Canadiens. He has also played for the Vegas Golden Knights and Carolina Hurricanes. Pacioretty has represented the United States in international competitions, showcasing his talent on a global stage. Throughout his NHL career, he has been recognized as a skilled and impactful player.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2002: Played in Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament

In 2002, as a youth, Pacioretty played in the Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament with the New York Rangers minor ice hockey team.

2006: Played for Sioux City Musketeers

In 2006, Pacioretty played junior hockey for the Sioux City Musketeers of the United States Hockey League (USHL) for one season.

2007: Drafted by Montreal Canadiens

In 2007, Pacioretty was drafted in the first round, 22nd overall, by the Montreal Canadiens in the NHL Entry Draft.

July 17, 2008: Signed with Canadiens

On July 17, 2008, Pacioretty signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Canadiens.

January 2, 2009: NHL Debut and First Goal

On January 2, 2009, Pacioretty made his NHL debut with the Canadiens, scoring his first NHL goal on his first NHL shot in a 4–1 loss against the New Jersey Devils. He also became the first player in Montreal's history to wear sweater number 67.

December 12, 2010: Recalled to the NHL

On December 12, 2010, Pacioretty was recalled to the NHL for the second time after starting the season with the Hamilton Bulldogs of the American Hockey League (AHL).

February 9, 2012: First Career Hat-Trick

On February 9, 2012, Pacioretty recorded his first career hat-trick against the New York Islanders.

August 12, 2012: Signed Contract Extension with the Canadiens

On August 12, 2012, Pacioretty signed a six-year, $27 million contract extension with the Canadiens.

September 2012: Signed Contract to Play Overseas

In September 2012, Pacioretty signed a contract to play overseas with Swiss National League A team HC Ambrì-Piotta due to the impending labor lockout.

October 12, 2013: Penalty Shot Against Canucks and Luongo

On October 12, 2013, Pacioretty had his first NHL career penalty shot against the Vancouver Canucks and Roberto Luongo, which he missed.

February 6, 2014: Two Penalty Shots in One Game

On February 6, 2014, Pacioretty became the first Canadien to have two penalty shots awarded in the same game against the Vancouver Canucks and goaltender Roberto Luongo, but missed both. Despite missing the penalty shots, he still scored a hat trick.

September 15, 2014: Named Alternate Captain of the Canadiens

On September 15, 2014, Pacioretty was named an alternate captain of the Canadiens along with P. K. Subban, Tomáš Plekanec and Andrei Markov.

2014: Canadiens went without a Captain

In the 2014-15 season, the Canadiens went without a captain following the departure of Brian Gionta.

September 18, 2015: Voted Captain of the Canadiens

On September 18, 2015, Pacioretty was voted by the team to become the 29th captain in Canadiens history.

September 10, 2018: Traded to Vegas Golden Knights

On September 10, 2018, Pacioretty was traded to the Vegas Golden Knights in exchange for Tomáš Tatar, Nick Suzuki, and a 2019 second round draft pick. He also signed a four-year, $28 million contract extension with the Golden Knights.

November 10, 2018: Return to Montreal

On November 10, 2018, Pacioretty returned to Montreal, where he received a video tribute and a standing ovation from the fans. He recorded nine shots in a 5–4 loss.

2018: Traded to Vegas Golden Knights

Before the 2018-19 NHL season, Pacioretty was traded to the Vegas Golden Knights.

2018: Trade Speculation

In 2018, speculation arose about the Canadiens intending to trade Pacioretty. A trade with the Los Angeles Kings fell through after Pacioretty rejected it. He also switched agents and confirmed he hadn't engaged in extension talks with the club.

2019: Golden Knights lose in the first round

In 2019, Pacioretty and the Golden Knights lost in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs in seven games to the San Jose Sharks.

2019: Playoffs loss to San Jose Sharks

In 2019, Pacioretty played in the Stanley Cup playoffs where the Golden Knights lost in seven games to the San Jose Sharks.

July 13, 2022: Traded to Carolina Hurricanes

On July 13, 2022, Pacioretty and prospect Dylan Coghlan were traded to the Carolina Hurricanes for future considerations due to the Golden Knights' need for salary cap space.