Max Pacioretty Retires, Joins Michigan Staff

Max Pacioretty, 36, announced his retirement after 17 NHL seasons and has joined the University of Michigan as a special assistant to head coach Brandon Naurato. Over a 939-game career he scored 335 goals and 681 points, served three seasons as Montreal Canadiens captain, was a 2020 All‑Star and won the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, and is the leading Wolverine in NHL goals, points and games. He played last season with the Toronto Maple Leafs, recording five goals and eight assists in 37 regular‑season games and adding playoff contributions, but was slowed late in his career by injuries including multiple Achilles tears. Pacioretty reportedly had some NHL interest but chose to step away to begin his coaching career, be closer to family and coach his four sons in youth hockey. Naurato and Michigan said Pacioretty’s NHL experience, preparation and leadership will be valuable in developing the program’s next generation of players.