Montreal Canadiens: Open-endedness with the Max Pacioretty situation

Max Pacioretty is the next likely candidate to be moved from the Montreal Canadiens, but is it possible he remains with the team for next season?

Marc Bergevin spoke with media Saturday talking about his new forward for the Montreal Canadiens in Max Domi. He said the things that many expected if you’ve seen him play. He starts every shift like it’s his last ever, brings a lot of energy and tenacity to the ice, and can make a pretty play for his teammates.

However, the scrum wasn’t all Domi focused. It also came down to Alex Galchenyuk‘s time with the Habs and why playing centre was never a possibility long-term. Interesting stuff, but what Bergevin said about Max Pacioretty did the trick as well.

The team captain is and has always been the most likely target to be moved. Galchenyuk going first doesn’t change that sentiment too much. Bergevin did say something that could hint at Pacioretty remaining with the team.

Based on that alone, fans can assume that Pacioretty will be a Montreal Canadien for the 2018-19 season. The 29-year-old has jumped at the chance to mention how much he loves playing in Montreal and for the team. The trade deadline and end of season interviews specifically have some good quotes from him.

Bergevin pinpointed the team’s attitude as one of their biggest issues this past season. Perhaps the Habs are seeing something different in Pacioretty now that is taking him off their trade list.

Another thing to take into account is the danger of the word ‘expect.’ Based on the way things are now for the Montreal Canadiens, Bergevin can envision an opening night roster with Pacioretty on it. That doesn’t change the fact that there have been a boat-load of reports and rumours that he is likely to be moved at the NHL Draft.

It’s tough to believe that Bergevin won’t pull the trigger on a deal if the offer is in the realm of the team’s wants. On the other hand, there’s a chance teams still feel whatever the price is for Pacioretty is still high. If so, bringing him back and showing other organizations that he’s still a top goal-scorer will handle any sense of reluctance they may have.

Andrew Zadarnowski of Habs Eyes on the Prize tweeted out an interesting lineup move for next season.

There’s also the case that with Galchenyuk gone, the Montreal Canadiens don’t have many pure goal-scorers left.

Next: Understanding the Domi Trade

It’ll be interesting to see how the rest of the offseason goes for Bergevin and the Habs. Keeping Pacioretty makes sense at this point, but stranger things have happened.