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Max Pacioretty admits: this could be the end for him

Originally posted on Dose.ca | Last updated May 20, 2025 3:29 PM ET

Max Pacioretty is 36 years old.

And he may have just played his last career season in the National Hockey League.

That’s the impression he gave, at least, after speaking to the media this morning in Toronto.

The veteran, who played just 89 games in his last three seasons, missed a lot of time due to injury. He was away from his family in 24-25… and not seeing his wife and kids seems to have bothered him.

For this reason, the former Habs captain admits that this may be the end for him.

Right now, all he wants is to get back home to his family:

Max Pacioretty says he’s not sure if he’ll continue his NHL career next year. The veteran forward said it was extremely difficult living apart from his family while playing in Toronto this season.

Says he’s just looking forward to getting home and seeing them.

– Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) May 20, 2025

If Pacioretty retires, he’ll be able to say he’s had a wickedly good NHL career.

335 goals and 681 points in 939 games, three seasons of 35 goals or more, he was captain of one of the most prestigious sports organizations in the world… That’s no mean feat.

On the other hand, you have to wonder if he’s interested in reaching the 1,000-game plateau in his career. He’s only 61 games away from achieving that feat, and perhaps that could push him to play at least one more season to give himself a chance.

I’ll say it again: Pacio ‘s health hasn’t been exceptional for several years now.

His body is having trouble keeping up… and as a result, he’s often injured.

(Credit: HockeyDB)

From what we can understand, at the moment, his decision hasn’t been made yet.

But what we can also understand is that there’s a real chance he’ll decide to hang up his skates at the age of 36.

We’ll keep you posted.

Overtime

– U.S. victory at CDM.

The U.S. victory over the Czech Republic sees the Americans finish 2nd in Group B! pic.twitter.com/qi1SJbRBPC

– RDS (@RDSca) May 20, 2025

– Bon.

The Panthers aren’t pleased the NHL has set up the pre and postgame news conference area literally in their gym, so naturally Matthew Tkachuk started slamming the medicine ball against the wall the second the Jordan Staal/Taylor Hall presser starts

– Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) May 20, 2025

– The answer is perfect.

Pascal Vincent would not reveal the identity of his goaltender for tomorrow.

“A goalie will be in front of the net,” he said with a smile.

At least we have confirmation!

– Anthony Martineau (@Antho_Martineau) May 20, 2025

– Good read.

He often wishes his client would have kept his mouth shut instead of embarrassing himself. https://t.co/OZgCVtReXx

– Passion MLB (@passion_mlb) May 20, 2025

This article first appeared on Dose.ca and was syndicated with permission.

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