For the first time since an off-season surgery for a torn Achilles, Carolina Hurricanes forward Max Pacioretty took to the ice during the team’s practice on Wednesday, according to North Carolina Sports Journal reporter Cory Lavalette.
Pacioretty joined the team wearing a yellow non-contact jersey, and is still expected to return in line with his initial timeline of six months — lining him up for a February return.
Pacioretty was acquired by the Hurricanes last July in exchange for future considerations from the Vegas Golden Knights in a salary cap maneuver, and will bolster a Carolina team lacking finishing talent.
Last season, Pacioretty was productive despite missing significant chunks of the year with multiple injuries, scoring 19 goals and adding 37 points in 39 games.
