Max Pacioretty has reiterated his willingness to remain with the Montreal Canadiens throughout the offseason. Pacioretty's belief doesn't seem to be changing despite a report of a rift with the organization.
On Thursday, Radio Canada revealed the forward asked for multiple trades throughout the 2017-18 season. Once the story surfaced, Octagon-Hockey's Allan Walsh, who represents the Canadiens' captain, refuted the claim. Walsh said the club has yet to offer his client an extension but is "ready" to sign a contract when it's presented.
"To this date, he's never received any offer from Montreal," Walsh posted on social media.
Pacioretty, who enters the final season of his contract, is set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2019. Montreal is likely heading in a certain direction - one that doesn't involve the Connecticut native.
Max Pacioretty has stated repeatedly that he loves Montreal and wants to remain in Montreal. To this date, he’s never received any offer from Montreal. You can have 3 sources or 10 sources, how many times does Max have to state that he wants to remain in Montreal long term?
— Allan Walsh (@walsha) August 30, 2018
At the 2018 NHL Draft, Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin reportedly traded Pacioretty to the Los Angeles Kings. Walsh, who was hired by Pacioretty after he fired Pat Brisson soon after the draft, says the deal was done "subject to Max signing an extension with (Los Angeles)."
After that deal fell apart, Montreal nearly acquired Ryan O'Reilly in a three-team deal involving Pacioretty also at the draft, according to Sportsnet's Eric Engels. Instead, O'Reilly was shipped to the Blues while Montreal was left with the decision to hand its captain an extension or not.
MORE: Max Pacioretty: Support from Canadiens fans 'opened up my eyes'
Former Canadiens and current Capitals forward Lars Eller voiced his support for his former teammate.
He is as committed and cares as much as anyone I’ve ever played with. Any team would be lucky to have him.
— Lars Eller (@lellerofficial) August 30, 2018
Both trades never went through as rumors of Pacioretty's eventual departure began to ignite. In July, Montreal told Pacioretty that the team won't negotiate an extension, according to The Athletic's Marc Antoine Godin.
For the goalscorer, he isn't looking into the distant future to wonder his eventual fate.
"I'm taking it one day at a time," Pacioretty told reporters at a charity golf tournament on Tuesday. "I'm the captain of the Montreal Canadiens. My obligation is to play for this team and do well."