PATCH SIGNS WITH MONTREAL

Yes, the dreaded title you never want to see in your e-mail box during
the summer has unfortunately struck again.

According to subscription website USHR.com, Michigan forward Max
Pacioretty has signed with the Montreal Canadiens.

Just last week Patch attended the Canadiens prospect camp and was
considered "head and shoulders" above the rest by Montreal director of
recruitment Trevor Timmins, though articles suggested he was leaning
towards returning to Michigan.

"I was the guy doing the dirty work in the corners and I think that
I?ll be able to play a more offensive role now that (Kevin Porter and
Chad Kolarik) are gone," Pacioretty said.

"He?s lost two outstanding linemates, but this will give him a chance
to showcase his talents," Timmins added.

But Patch also said he?d talk it over with the Canadiens to see what
they felt was best for him. Should it come as any shock they felt the
best thing was to turn pro? Probably not.

There had been a lot of speculation as to what Patch would do this
summer as all the other players save for him seemed to publicly state
their commitment to returning to Ann Arbor. Dominating the Habs camp
just added more fuel to the fire, and once they start down that path,
more times than not we tend to know what the outcome will be?-turning
pro.

Michigan still has a stuffed roster for the fall, but losing one of
their top two returning scorers and a big skilled body to boot is
certainly a blow.

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That's all for now...

Go Blue!

Jason
Michigan Hockey Net
http://MichiganHockey.net