Montreal Canadiens' forward Max Pacioretty is on the trade block once again. It has long been rumored that general manager Marc Bergevin has put the team's three-year captain on the market, and that claim has just been reaffirmed by analyst Nick Kypreos recently.
On Saturday during "Hockey Night In Canada," Kypreos told the panel that the Canadiens are "actively shopping" Pacioretty. Per Sporting News, he said: "While an eventual trade may include draft picks and prospects, it's been clear to other teams that Bergevin's top priority is moving [Pacioretty] for a top goal-scorer."
The 29-year-old has scored eight goals and 20 points total for the Canadiens this season, keeping himself among the team's top scorers all year. However, many have seen a decline in his performance this season especially in the goal-scoring department and he has since fallen to a much less effective forward from being a standout goal scorer.
Krypeos said Bergevin is now looking to trade Pacioretty for a younger talent. However, he will reportedly be patient, referencing how Colorado Avalanche manager Joe Sakic waited to move Matt Duchene to Ottawa Senators November last year.
"There is a sense that Marc Bergevin will not settle on this," Kypreos said. "If he doesn't get what he wants by the trade deadline Feb. 26, he might be willing to wait for the NHL Draft in Dallas, late June."
When asked about the trade rumors on New Years Day, Pacioretty said he is not focusing on them.
"If it happens, it happens," he told Montreal Gazette. "I'm very proud of the past success I've had in Montreal. I've played here for 10 years and I've never gone through something like this. I've gone through ups and downs, but never this low."
For now, Pacioretty continues trying to get not just himself but the entire team Canadiens back on track. The team kicked off the first of a five-game homestand Tuesday night, looking to break a four-game losing streak.
