Many hockey players dream of long careers, but for Max Pacioretty, the road hasn’t been easy. Even though he wasn’t chosen as the Toronto Maple Leafs’ nominee for the Masterton Trophy – an award given to NHL players who show dedication, hard work, and sportsmanship – Pacioretty has shown all of those qualities and more this season. His story proves that with determination, anything is possible.
A Tough Road Back
When Pacioretty joined the Leafs in October, not many teams were interested in him. He had suffered several serious injuries and hadn’t played a full season since 2016-17, when he was with the Montreal Canadiens. After bouncing around from Vegas to Carolina to Washington, many thought his career might be near the end.
Still, Pacioretty didn’t give up. He believed in himself and signed a professional tryout deal with Toronto. He impressed during training camp and earned a spot on the team. The Leafs only paid him $873,770, which is a small amount by NHL standards, especially for someone with his experience. But for Pacioretty, getting another shot was more important than money.
Not an Easy Season
The regular season wasn’t smooth for Pacioretty. He missed games because of injuries and was even kept out of the lineup as a healthy scratch. But instead of giving up, he kept pushing forward.
What’s special is how he changed his game. At 36, Pacioretty turned into a physical forward – something he wasn’t really known for earlier in his career. He averaged over 12 hits per 60 minutes, which was a personal best. This added toughness caught the attention of Leafs coach Craig Berube.
A Big Playoff Moment
Even though Pacioretty didn’t play in the first two games of the playoffs against the Ottawa Senators, he made a big impact once he got the chance. In Game 6, he scored the goal that won the series for Toronto – a big moment of redemption.
He didn’t stop there. In Game 1 of the second round against the Florida Panthers, he had two assists. In Game 2, he scored a goal and assisted another. He quickly became a major part of the Leafs’ second line with John Tavares and William Nylander.
A Key Player Once Again
Pacioretty’s physical strength and smart play have opened up space for his teammates and added depth to the team. His performance shows how much a player can achieve by staying focused and working hard, even when things don’t go their way.
Though he may not reach the 1,000-game milestone – he’s at 939 regular season games now – he’s left his mark on two of hockey’s most famous teams: Montreal and Toronto. His journey is proof that age and injuries don’t have to stop a player who refuses to quit.
Max Pacioretty’s story is one of courage, patience, and hard work. While he wasn’t picked for the Masterton Trophy, he perfectly fits the spirit of that award. From nearly being out of the league to becoming a key part of a playoff team, he’s shown that players can write their own comeback stories – no matter their age or past injuries. It’s a lesson in never giving up and believing in your own power to come back stronger.
