It’s been a big week for Boston Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara. He helped his team win its first Stanley Cup since 1972 last Wednesday and will find out if he will receive another Norris Trophy this Wednesday. His name will come up in another bit of fairly big news this week, as the Montreal Canadiens announced that they signed Max Pacioretty to a two-year deal that Renaud Lavoie is reporting will be worth $3.2 million.
(Lavoie reveals that Pacioretty will earn $1.5 million in 2011-12 and $1.75 million in 12-13.)
As you probably know, Pacioretty was a victim of that notorious Chara hit into a stanchion. In a way, this signing should be relief to both Habs fans who were worried about Pacioretty’s bigger picture health as well as Chara’s own conscience.
Of course, the $3.2 million question is whether or not Pacioretty can properly heal from those injuries and contribute to the Canadiens for the next two seasons. He scored a career-high 14 goals and 24 points in 37 games in 10-11, indicating that he might be a legitimate contributor to the team, but then that ugly moment made many wonder if he would ever play hockey again. Canadiens GM Pierre Gauthier seems confident that Pacioretty will be healthy enough to resume his ascent up the team’s ranks, though.
It would be fantastic if Gauthier ends up being correct. We will provide updates about his rehabilitation process whenever they are available as training camp approaches in September.