U-M's Pacioretty signs with Montreal

Compiled by MiCHO Staff

The Montreal Canadiens announced today the signing of Michigan forward Max Pacioretty to a three-year contract.

As per club policy, financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. In signing the deal, Pacioretty is giving up his final three years of collegiate eligibility with Michigan.

“Max Pacioretty is a young player with a lot of skills who has the potential to play in the NHL," said Montreal GM Bob Gainey. "We are very happy to have him under contract for years to come. We feel he is ready to make the jump to professional hockey and we will make sure to provide him with all the resources which will benefit his long-term development as a player."

Pacioretty, a native of New Canaan, Conn., completed in 2007-08 as a freshman with the Wolverines after being taken by Montreal 22nd overall in the first round of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. The 19-year-old ranked fourth in scoring with U-M with 39 points in 37 games (15 goals, 24 assists), posting a plus-31 rating along with 59 penalty minutes. Pacioretty finished second on the team in plus-minus (+31) and power-play goals (9). He also scored three game-winning goals and registered 109 shots on goal.

The left winger was named the CCHA Rookie of the Year and also finished fifth in college hockey among rookies in points and points per game (1.05). Playing on the Wolverines' top line with Hobey Baker winner Kevin Porter and Chad Kolarik certainly helped his point totals.

"We’re certainly disappointed that Max Pacioretty has chosen to forego his eligibility at the University of Michigan at this time," said Michigan associate head coach Mel Pearson. "Max was a positive force on our team last season. We would like to wish him well in his pursuit of his dream to play in the National Hockey League."

Pacioretty was also a member of the US National team that finished fourth at the 2008 World Junior Championship in the Czech Republic.

At the junior level, Pacioretty played two seasons with the United States Hockey League's Sioux City Musketeers from 2004-2006. In his second season, he scored 21 goals and 42 assists for 63 points in 60 games, which awarded him the USHL Rookie of the Year honors and a selection to the USHL All-Rookie team.

Photo courtesy UM Photo Services