Montreal Canadiens: Addressing the rumours and Pacioretty’s production

More from A Winning Habit

• Montreal Canadiens: Biggest Questions Going Into 2023-24
• Montreal Canadiens: Quentin Miller’s Poise And Confidence Fuel His Game
• Montreal Canadiens: Laval Rocket Top Defence Pair Could Be Set
• Montreal Canadiens: Worst Move Of The Pierre Gauthier Era
• Montreal Canadiens: Could Casey DeSmith End Up In Colorado?

ZC: I would likely sense a bounce-back campaign from Max Pacioretty, and one where he gets back to being his regular, goal scoring self. It’s very unlikely, despite the makeup of the Canadiens roster, that Pacioretty is as snake-bitten as last year, and his elite shot and hockey IQ will probably see the Habs captain on the board between 20 and 23 times before the trade deadline. I expect yet another 30 goal year from Max, especially in a contract season.

OW: Pacioretty usually has around 30 goals by the time the trade deadline hits (except for in the 2015-16 season when he had a red-hot streak going into the playoffs). There’s no doubt the team captain can get back to his scoring ways, even if he is a victim of a slow start which he’s known for. I could see Pacioretty at 27 goals deadline day.

What will be interesting to see is if the 29-year-old reverts back to some of his older methods of scoring that changed this past season. Pacioretty headed to the net a lot more and took fewer shots from the wings. There was also a major case of bad luck when it came to his production at 5v5 seeing his shooting percentage at a measly 4.72%. All that will take care of itself, and hopefully, with a brighter and more positive mindset, Pacioretty can return to the elite sniper he’s been for the Montreal Canadiens.

Moving on from him is going to be bittersweet, but the possible assets the organization can gain in exchange will continue to put them in a better position for the long haul.