Patience is a Virtue
No team should have a problem paying the acquisition and signing price for Pacioretty if he returns to form, which we can all assume he will. But the only available reference point at the moment is a 17-goal season with a few dry spells here and there.
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Although the questions on a nightly basis will be around Pacioretty and his status with the team, the Montreal Canadiens have to wait to make a move. That will be the best way to maximize the return. Bergevin has walked away from trades where he could’ve gotten more in the past, and he can’t afford the same thing to occur with Pacioretty.
If waiting until the trade deadline, allowing him to play out half of the year and return to his expected level of production brings Beregvin closer to getting that ideal package, then it’s something the Habs have to do. There’s a risk in this of course. What if Pacioretty performs even worse than last season?
It’s a possibility for sure, but that’s a risk the Montreal Canadiens need to take. Draft picks are good, especially when you consider the focus of the organization. But seconds and thirds aren’t going to cut it for Pacioretty.
Moving a player at his peak will always be better than doing it at their lowest. Pacioretty is coming off a tough season and is going to be on the hunt for redemption in a Habs uniform. He’ll always be playing for his next contract and should have no problem pushing himself to better drive up his salary.
If Bergevin has the patience to make the deal then, the Montreal Canadiens will be better off and hopefully walk away satisfied with the return.