Max Pacioretty sees karma being merciless to him.
After declaring that the Toronto Maple Leafs jersey was “the most beautiful he has ever worn“, he now finds himself in a rather humiliating situation: relegated to the stands for a second consecutive match.
A hard blow for the man who was once captain of the Montreal Canadiens. Ouch. Karma is unforgiving.
This Saturday night, the Leafs face the New York Rangers, but Pacioretty will not be in the lineup. The 35-year-old veteran, however, kept a measured tone in expressing his frustration:
“I’m doing my best. It’s a long season. Of course I prefer to play, but I know that I can help the team even from the stands”he confided with resignation.
His absence in the lineup reflects the depth of the Leafs roster. Coach Craig Berube, when asked about this decision, could not have been clearer:
“We have extra players, and not everyone can play every night. »
A cold and dry justification which highlights the ruthless reality of competition within a well-stocked team.
After signing a one-year contract with bonuses, Pacioretty hoped to reinvigorate his career in Toronto. But despite some flashes of his talent, notably a goal in three games, he seems to be struggling to find a lasting place.
While others, like Bobby McMann or Matthew Knies, seize their chances with gusto, Pacioretty must be content to observe from the stands.
The irony is not lost on the Canadiens’ supporters, who have not forgotten Pacioretty’s words on the Toronto jersey.
In their eyes, this exclusion seems like a sweet revenge of destiny.
Some fans do not hide their satisfaction at seeing a former CH captain, who had turned his back on Montreal with contempt, finding himself excluded from the lineup of one of the biggest rivals.
Remember that Pacioretty said CH fans were too intense to live a happy life when he was traded to Vegas.
With John Tavares returning after an absence and young players on the rise, the competition is fierce in Toronto.
Pacioretty’s hopes of playing a key role appear to be dwindling, as he struggles to establish himself on this talented team, under the orders of a coach who loves physical play and who hates peripheral players.
“Whatever happens, I will continue to work”he promised, trying to keep his head held high despite the circumstances.
But the reality is scathing: at 35, after several seasons marked by injuries, time is no longer his ally. Hockey is ruthless, and in Toronto, performance and youth take precedence.
It really feels like the end for the former CH.
The supporters of CH, for their part, savored the spectacle. Those who were hurt by his comments did not fail to point out that it is not enough to wear the “best sweater” to shine on the ice.
For them, seeing Pacioretty as a spectator is proof that karma always ends up catching up with those who turn their back on their past.
The next few months will tell us whether Pacioretty manages to turn things around or whether he will remain stuck in this uncomfortable role of privileged spectator.
But one thing is certain: time is not your best friend. It smells like retirement.
