Max Pacioretty named Montreal Canadiens captain

The Montreal Canadiens announced forward Max Pacioretty has been named the 29th captain in franchise history.

The Montreal Canadiensannounced forward Max Pacioretty has been named the 29th captain in franchise history. 

Pacioretty, 26, was named captain following a vote by his teammates on the opening night of training camp. He succeeds right wing Brian Gionta, now with the Buffalo Sabres, as the team's captain.

“I’ve been here for seven years now, and I’ve seen people come and go, and I’ve seen what it takes to be a Montreal Canadien,” Pacioretty said in a press conference. “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.”

Pacioretty is entering his eighth season with the Canadiens. He was selected with the 22nd overall pick of the 2007 NHL entry draft.

Watch Pacioretty's press conference below:

[youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzXSqpWD2_0]

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