Max Pacioretty skates after Capitals morning skate as forward continues rehab post Achilles surgery

Washington Capitals winger Max Pacioretty was seen practicing at MedStar Capitals Iceplex on Saturday. The 34-year-old winger took to the ice after his teammates had already completed their optional morning skate.

Pacioretty is currently recovering from his second torn Achilles tendon and surgery within a year. The veteran winger was signed by the Capitals to a one-year contract in the summer.

This is Pacioretty’s first public on-ice session since Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported that he had started the skating phase of his rehabilitation process. Last week, Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery mentioned that Pacioretty would be returning to the ice soon. However, Carbery also noted that it would still be a while before Pacioretty could rejoin the lineup due to the significant amount of practice time he would need.

“Because these players have been out for so long, they will require extensive practice time before they can return,” Carbery explained.

Carbery provided another update on Saturday before Pacioretty hit the ice. He mentioned that Pacioretty had skated at least once, showing positive signs of progress. However, Carbery emphasized that there was still a long road ahead for the player.

The Capitals signed Pacioretty, a six-time 30-goal scorer, to a one-year deal worth $2 million. The contract includes $2 million in achievable performance bonuses, with $1 million for playing 10 games, an additional $500k each for 15 and 20 games respectively, and a no-movement clause granted by GM Brian MacLellan.

When Pacioretty is ready to be activated onto the team’s roster, he will carry a $2 million cap hit. This process may require Nicklas Backstrom to be placed on LTIR during his leave of absence.

Headline photo: Katie Adler/RMNB