Veteran forward Max Pacioretty could be making his 2023-24 season debut, his first with the Capitals, tonight when they take on the Nashville Predators.
Speaking to reporters Friday, the 35 year old said “We’ll see what happens. One day at a time. We’re heading in the right direction, so I’m excited about that… This is what I’ve done for 30 years of my life. So, when I wasn’t doing it, I was missing it. It makes you realize how much you love the game, and I’m definitely enjoying it right now, even just being a part of practices and even bag skates and whatnot. You realize that this is what I was born to do, so I’m just enjoying it.”
Playing for Carolina last year, the New Canaan, Connecticut native posted 3 goals in 5 games before suffering an achilles injury which cost him the remainder of the year. Limited to just 92 games since the end of the 2019-20 season due to a variety of injuries, Pacioretty is looking forward to rejoining his teammates on the ice in a meaningful game once again.
“When I look at my kids and my family, I don’t want to ever say that I gave up on something that I could have continued doing.”
Also of note, newly signed blue liner Ethan Bear could also make his Capitals debut following an extensive rehab process for an injured shoulder. Bear signed a 2 year, $4.125M contract with Washington on Thursday and is on the cusp of returning to NHL game action.
On the other end of the ice, it’s looking like top prospect Yaroslav Askarov could be making his first start of 2023-24. The 21 year old made 6 saves in 17 minutes of mop up duty in Nashville’s 5-2 loss to Carolina on December 27th.
With Juuse Saros having played in last night’s 5-4 OT loss to Detroit, it’s looking probable that the former 11th overall selection from the 2020 NHL Entry draft could be in line for the starting nod. Askarov was widely considered the “best goaltending prospect NOT in the NHL” up until this point, and could be in line for some extra looks if Saros’ uncharacteristic struggles continue.
Photo: Keith Allison. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license.