The Capitals saw Pacioretty take the ice for the second time since re-tearing his Achilles.
The Washington Capitals got an encouraging sign on Saturday, as Max Pacioretty took the ice and skated after the team's optional morning skate as he continues his work back from his second torn Achilles in a span of five months.
Pacioretty was in good spirits as he skated alone at MedStar Capitals Iceplex. The team told reporters that this is the second time he's skated. Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported that he had started skating again earlier in the week.
The 34-year-old signed a one-year, $2 million contract to join the Capitals this summer after missing almost all of last season due to his torn Achilles. He had started the 2022-23 season rehabilitating from the injury, and after returning to the Carolina Hurricanes for five games, he reinjured his foot and has been sidelined since.
Pacioretty is on the long-term injured reserve and is eligible to return at any point after Nov. 8.
Getting Pacioretty in the lineup would be huge for Washington, as the team is struggling to generate offense and needs someone to bolster the top-6. Having another strong forward who can log time on the power play is also vital, with Nicklas Backstrom announcing he's stepping away from the game on Wednesday.
He had three goals in five games last season and has proven to be a consistent goal-scorer over the course of his career.
While the Connecticut native still has ways to go, seeing him take the ice is encouraging. He and the Capitals' other offseason acquisition, Joel Edmundson, are both trending in the right direction as they recover from long-term ailments.