Canadiens name Max Pacioretty new captain

Max Pacioretty has been named the new captain of the Montreal Canadiens, which means now he’s the man in charge to lead the Habs to their first Stanley Cup title since 1993.

Max Pacioretty, 26, is a product of the Canadiens organization, which selected him in the first round (22nd overall) in the 2007 National Hockey League Entry Draft.

“I’ll think back on how they handled situations and use that”. “Maybe when you’re younger you don’t really appreciate it as much or you don’t understand how important it is, but… the last couple of years, I’ve really understood what it takes to be a Montreal Canadien and every time I put on the jersey I’m thankful that I’ve been given this opportunity”. But even he wasn’t surprised it went to Pacioretty.

The Canadiens opted to have a single captain this season after going with four alternates in 2014-’15: Pacioretty, centre Tomas Plekanec and defencemen Andrei Markov and P.K. Subban.

The 26-year-old Pacioretty was one of five alternates last season, along with Subban, Markov and Plekanec.

“Ultimately, a captain is a guy who’s gotta take control”, Subban said.

Pacioretty read a long statement in French to begin his press conference Thursday. “I just want to make sure that while I’m injured, I’m still part of the team”. Bergevin did not release the results, but said Pacioretty won a majority and there was no need for a second ballot.

Players hailed Pacioretty’s selection and were also glad to see 23-year-old Gallagher added to the leadership group.

Pacioretty is now rehabbing an off-ice knee injury that he suffered while training in July that was expected to keep him out of commission for 8-12 weeks. The Habs’ play the Maple Leafs in Toronto for their opener on October . 7.