The 34-year-old took a major step on Saturday.
ARLINGTON, V.A. — The Washington Capitals saw Max Pacioretty take a major step on Saturday, as he joined the group for the first time for its morning skate against the New York Rangers.
Pacioretty was in a non-contact jersey as he skated with the group, participating in drills, working on skating and getting some face time in with his teammates.
He had been skating on his own as he continues his recovery from a re-torn right Achilles.
Pacioretty hasn't played since Jan. 19, when he retore his Achilles just five games into his return from that same injury for the Carolina Hurricanes. He had three goals over that span before the injury sidelined him again. It was his second right Achilles tear in a span of five months.
The 35-year-old signed a one-year, $2 million contract with the Capitals to open free agency in order to resurrect his career.
"I don't want to ever say that I gave up on something that I could have continued doing," Pacioretty said a month ago. "It's important for me to do this for myself, but also for my family and my kids to kind of show them that we can get through this together."
Pacioretty is making continued progress and is expected to return within 2-3 weeks, per head coach Spencer Carbery.
“We're getting pretty close,” the coach said.
Getting the veteran back will be a major boost for Washington, who is in desperate need of scoring. When healthy, Pacioretty has proven to be a consistent scorer and top-6 contributor.