NHL Analyst Links Former Canadiens Captain to Montreal Return in Free Agency

“They say you can never go home again,” Augello wrote. “But the Canadiens, after surprisingly making the post-season, are looking to add some experience to support their young core group.”

Augello, however, acknowledged that Pacioretty is no longer a full-time player. While he could bring some leadership and experience to the team, Augello believes the fit might not be perfect, as he won't be able to contribute that much anymore.

“The issue is that Pacioretty is likely to be a part-time player as he has been the last couple of seasons, and the Habs need someone who can be in the lineup most of the time,” Augello said.

Canadiens Make Sense for Max Pacioretty Amid Uncertain Future

Pacioretty recorded 13 points in 37 games for the Maple Leafs last season, then delivered 8 more points in 11 playoff contests, showing he can still contribute in key moments, even on a small role and playing a few minutes nightly.

Following the Maple Leafs' postseason exit, Pacioretty admitted he was unsure about returning to play one more season in the NHL.

“This year was very difficult for me, being away from my family,” Pacioretty said on May 20. “I’m really excited to just get home and be with them and talk to them about what's next in life. But in terms of playing, that’s difficult to answer right now.”

Still, should he choose to return and play at least one more campaign, the Canadiens should be both a sentimental place and a strategic fit for the veteran.

Last December, Pacioretty reminisced about his stint with the Habs ahead of his first game against the Canadiens donning the Maple Leafs sweater.

“Being the captain meant everything to me and I spent 10 of the best years of my life here,” Pacioretty said, via the Montreal Gazette. “Whether it’s being American, Canadian, French-Canadian, it’s always an honour.”

Pacioretty appeared in 626 regular-season games with the Canadiens and is just 61 games short of reaching the 1,000-game milestone, currently sitting at 939 through his 17-year career.

AFP Analytics projects Pacioretty to sign another one-year deal this offseason worth $800,000.