Michigan Hockey adds former Wolverine Max Pacioretty to staff

It didn’t take long for Max Pacioretty to figure out the next steps of his career after retiring from the NHL this week, as he will be returning to familiar territory.

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Just hours after the 17-year veteran retired from the league, the Michigan Hockey program announced on Tuesday that it has added the former Wolverine to the coaching staff as a special assistant to head coach Brandon Naurato.

“Bringing in a guy like Max is huge for us,” Naurato said in a statement. “He’s been through it all in the NHL and knows what it takes to play and lead at the highest level. Our players are going to learn a ton from the way he sees the game, how he prepares and how he carries himself. It’s exciting to have that kind of experience around every day. Having an alum like Max back around the program reminds our players that they’re part of something bigger, and that’s the Michigan Hockey legacy.”

The Connecticut native returns to Ann Arbor after spending the 2007 season with the program, departing after his freshman season to join the Montreal Canadians, who drafted him in the first round of the 2007 NHL Draft.

Pacioretty made his NHL debut with the Canadiens in 2009 and would later be named captain of the franchise in 2015.

After stops with the Vegas Golden Knights, Carolina Hurricanes and the Washington Capitals, Pacioretty capped his impressive NHL career with the Toronto Maple Leafs last season.

“After 17 seasons in the NHL, I’m excited to begin this next chapter with Michigan Hockey,” Pacioretty said in a statement. “I’m so thankful for the teammates, coaches and fans who have been a part of my journey. Hockey has given me so much, and now I have the opportunity to help develop the next generation of players. Michigan has a tradition of producing elite talent, and I can’t wait to share what I’ve learned to help these guys grow on and off the ice. Just as important, this next step allows me to be closer to my family and spend more time with my kids. I’m going to be coaching my four boys in youth hockey and that’s something I’ll really cherish as a dad.”