The Washington Capitals dealt away a few players at the 2024 NHL trade deadline but kept several others that had been involved in rumors for weeks leading up to the big day.
Max Pacioretty was one of those names as there had been reports that Patches was willing to waive his no-move clause for the right fit on a Cup-contending team.
According to hockey insider Elliotte Friedman, Pacioretty had the chance to go to the New York Rangers (currently coached by former Capitals’ bench boss Peter Laviolette) but declined in favor of staying in DC. Friedman revealed the tidbit on the latest episode of 32 Thoughts: The Podcast as he discussed what the Rangers did end up doing at the deadline.
“They targeted Jack Roslovic – now they also went for Max Pacioretty and Pacioretty decided to stay where he was,” Friedman said. “So, they pivoted and went to Jack Roslovic.”
The Roslovic trade was announced with just minutes remaining before the 3 pm deadline.
Jack Roslovic from CLB to NYR
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) March 8, 2024
New York ended up sending a conditional 2026 fourth-round draft selection to the Columbus Blue Jackets to acquire Roslovic’s services. The pick upgrades to a 2026 third-round choice if the Rangers make it to the Stanley Cup Final and Roslovic plays in 50 percent of their playoff games.
Roslovic appears to be a good fit for the Rangers, tallying three points (1g, 2a) in his first six games with the club.
According to Frank Seravalli, Pacioretty, 35, turned down “multiple playoff-bound teams” so that the could stay with his family and “finish what he started” in Washington.
Pacioretty, coming off his second Achilles’ tendon surgery, has recorded 16 points (3g, 13a) in 31 games for Washington this season. The Capitals signed him to a one-year, $2 million deal in free agency this past summer that has also paid him an additional $2 million in performance bonuses.
