The Washington Capitals have signed forward Max Pacioretty to a one-year deal worth $2 million plus bonuses. The news was first reported by Renaud Lavoie.

Pacioretty, 34, played just five games last season due to repeated achilles-tendon injuries.

According to Elliotte Friedman, Pacioretty’s deal with Washington is $2 million against the salary cap plus $2 million more in potential bonuses. The bonuses depend on how many games Pacioretty plays. If he plays in at least ten games, he’ll earned an extra $1 million, then another $500k for 15 games and another $500k for 20 games.

An undeniable scoring talent when with Montreal and then Vegas, Pacioretty’s recent seasons have been plagued by injuries, especially a tear to his achilles tendon that cost him the first 38 games of last season. Pacioretty had surgery in August of 2022 and returned in January for five games, scoring three goals before succumbing to the same injury again. He returned to injured reserve and did not play again.

Pacioretty, when healthy, brings an aggressive forecheck and defensive competence, but mostly offensive volume. Among 423 forwards between 2018 and 2022, he ranked eighth in shots attempted per hour.

From Washington:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – July 1, 2023

Capitals Sign Max Pacioretty
The six time 30-goal scorer ranked seventh in the NHL in goals from 2013-14 to 2020-21

ARLINGTON, Va. – The Washington Capitals have signed forward Max Pacioretty to a one-year contract worth $2 million, plus an additional $2 million in performance-based incentives, senior vice president and general manager Brian MacLellan announced today.

“Max has proven to be a consistent goal scorer in his career and has the necessary skill set to play in every situation,” said MacLellan. “We’re confident he’ll be a great contributor to our team at a cap number that suits our club.”

Pacioretty, 34, has recorded 645 points (326g, 319a) in 855 career games with the Carolina Hurricanes, Vegas Golden Knights and Montreal Canadiens. Pacioretty is a six time 30-goal scorer and his 236 goals from 2013-14 to 2020-21 were the seventh most in the NHL in that span. The 6’2”, 217-pound forward was limited to five games with Carolina in 2022-23 due to injury, scoring three goals in five appearances, including a two-goal effort in his second game of the season on Jan. 7 at Columbus.

Originally drafted by Montreal in the first round (22nd overall) in the 2007 NHL Draft, Pacioretty was named the 29th captain in Canadiens’ franchise history in 2015 and served in that role for his final three seasons with the club. In addition, Pacioretty won the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy in 2012, given to the National Hockey League player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.

In 74 career playoff games, Pacioretty has recorded 49 points (25g, 24a), including seven game-winning goals. During the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs with Vegas, Pacioretty led the Golden Knights in points-per-game (0.85) and game-winning goals (3) and ranked tied for second on the team in goals (5) and third in points (11).

Internationally, the New Canaan, Connecticut native has represented the United States at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey, the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi and the 2008 World Junior Championship.