When Max Pacioretty arrived at the Canadiens' annual summer development camp in early July, he intended to return to the University of Michigan for his sophomore year.
But after director of player development Trevor Timmins said the 19-year-old was "head and shoulders" above the other prospects, he began to have second thoughts.
"I went to camp with the idea of seeing how much I had improved," said Pacioretty, who decided to drop out of school to sign a three-year entry-level contract on July 17. "My dream has always been to play in the NHL."
Pacioretty has developed faster than even the Canadiens expected. In three seasons, he has dominated at the New England prep, United States Hockey League and NCAA levels. Last year, he was the rookie of the year in the CCHA and played on Michigan's top line with seniors Kevin Porter and Chad Kolarik. Both of his linemates have signed with the Phoenix Coyotes.
He was the Canadiens' second first-round pick in the 2007 entry draft, going 22nd overall. Pacioretty will start with the Canadiens' farm club in Hamilton, but he is expected to get at least a small taste of the NHL before the season is out.
Pacioretty's decision was not welcomed by Michigan coach Red Berenson, who said he was disappointed that Pacioretty was leaving the school.
Berenson has seen players like the Canadiens' Mike Komisarek, Mike Comrie, Jack Johnson, Mike Camalleri, Jeff Jillson and Jeff Tambellini leave before they have completed their eligibility.
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The Habs have a few new faces on the team this year, and have lost a few old ones. This question is based on the understanding that we do not have Mats Sundin, and we are looking at our current roster only.
I know everyone is going to say go to a strip club. I will certainly be visiting one of the fine t!tty establishments before the weekend is over trust me. I am however looking for any helpful suggestions for good bars, lounges, places to meet chicks in general. I'm looking out the window and see 50 different bars but I don't have time to check them all out. Especially since I broke my ankle in 4 p
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All that celebration after winning the FIRST ROUND series! hahahahahhahahahah.......you guys aren't good. you are the biggest bunch of babies! you all fall and cry for a penalty and thats the only way you can score, WHEN YOU HAVE AN ADVANTAGE. hahahaha. what a joke of a franchise. Only had 1 good player to ever play for that team, and what does he go and do...have his son puch another kid i
