â›³ï¸ #GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/AxG6UCKuLv
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) August 28, 2018
Today marked another round at the Captain Max Pacioretty’s annual golf tournament where Max and friends work to raise money for the Canadiens Children’s Foundation.
This event is a good reminder that some athletes truly want to be more than an entertainer on the ice. Some strive to be pillars of the community, working towards using their star power to bring in much needed cash to great causes.
Raising money to help children and their family receive treatment and support is definitely a noble endeavor and I commend Pacioretty and the like for their efforts.
#Habs Pacioretty off the first tee at his charity tournament. Nice form. pic.twitter.com/DE4Ps6ENQv
— John Lu (@JohnLuTSNMtl) August 28, 2018
This event also pretty well signifies the beginning of the Habs season as well. Shortly after this round of golf we have the Canadiens annual golf tourney and the rookie showcase tourney that is to feature recent 3rd overall pick, Jesperi Kotkaniemi.
Don't miss the NHL Rookie Showdown 2018 at Place Bell from September 7 to 9! Individual tickets on sale now on https://t.co/sG1PbpNf4c >>> https://t.co/kdvKxtOwYV pic.twitter.com/22fVCItuNL
— Rocket de Laval (@RocketLaval) August 27, 2018
Full disclosure, I am not present at the event. I did not receive an invitation. But I would have gladly accepted an invite if I would have been able to shoot a round with a few members of the Canadiens.
I am an interested observer and in all honesty it’s nice not to have been standing next to guys asking some eye rolling questions. They are already posting all over Twitter about how Pacioretty said he has not had any talks regarding a contract, and then that was quickly followed by a quip from agent Alan Walsh about talks being ongoing but there haven’t been offers or negotiations so take that as you will.
To be clear, while there have been many discussions over the last 2 months, there have been no negotiations on a new contract. Montreal has not made any offers to this date. Max has stated repeatedly that he loves Montreal and wants to sign a new contract with the Canadiens. https://t.co/1ZhBYKvg2D
— Allan Walsh (@walsha) August 28, 2018
There was already a boundary set by Pacioretty and Habs brass indicating they would not be discussing anything hockey related as to not distract from the altruistic event at hand. I couldn’t agree more, it’s an event for helping children and they are using their platform as an opportunity to bring awareness and monetary support to the cause, not to chat about rumors and hockey business.
Geoff Molson et Marc Bergevin ont refusé de parler de hockey au tournoi de golf de Max Pacioretty. « à‡a se fera au tournoi de golf de l’équipe le 10 septembre prochain » disent-ils @TVASports
— JP Bertrand (@jp_tvasports) August 28, 2018
The big, likely fabricated, story of the last couple weeks was the “confirmation… that Bergevin and Julien wouldn’t be attending, some even saying they declined the invite…
«Nous sommes très heureux d'être ici pour appuyer Max et sa fondation.»
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) August 28, 2018
“We’re really happy to be here to support Max and the Foundation.…
- @GMolsonCHC #GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/lUc7YOVUvT
The two of them were parked right next to Pacioretty and Bergevin said he expects Max to be at camp in the fall. Look, if you read my stuff you know I think he’s dealt, but apparently the market is not a good one right now. For those reasons I think there’s sincerity here in Bergevin’s statement. Joe Sakic taught us good things come to those who wait and if no one’s paying right now, you can bet as the season goes on and teams feel like they have a chance to make some playoff noise then Bergevin’s phone will be ringing.
The Canadiens place in the standings will likely have an impact on whether or not a deal makes sense, but most feel the Canadiens will be on the outside looking in so a Pacioretty trade is likely to occur in season and around the trade deadline. Of course, I could be completely off base and the Habs extend the Captain’s contract, but I just struggle to see that scenario playing out. Not because I don’t like Max, just from a long term standpoint it seems to make more sense to try and grab a couple great prospects and a 1st round pick instead to really fill out the roster with high end potential.
But I digress….
With Max Pacioretty at his charity golf tournament this morning near Montreal. #Patches pic.twitter.com/YYyFLQkn3o
— Allan Walsh (@walsha) August 28, 2018
Kudos to all involved in this charity endeavor. I commend your commitment to community and helping the children and families in said community.
Hopefully I’ll get an invite next year……¨…¨
Jesperi Kotkaniemi headlines Canadiens' NHL Rookie Showdown participants https://t.co/S4il2Yvr9D
— Brandon Smillie - Habs HockeyBuzz Guy (@BrandonSmillie) August 28, 2018
Don’t forget to grab your seats for the Rookie Showcase, if you’re able to attend. I’m sure many will be pumped to see Kotkaniemi, Evans, Alain, Addison, Bitten, and Hillis take the ice. The baby Habs take on the Sens rookies September 7th in Laval followed by the baby Leafs on September 9th.
Go check it out with the rest of the Habs fanbase and let everyone know what you think of the future Habs.
Go Habs Go
Update: Just saw this....
When training with @JacobdelaRose goes HILARIOUSLY wrong. 😅🤣 pic.twitter.com/hzJi4q8hsm
— NHL (@NHL) August 28, 2018