Capitals share disappointing update on Max Pacioretty.

The Washington Capitals took a bit of a gamble this summer when they signed injured star forward Max Pacioretty to a contract, knowing full well the risks that were involved when they did so.

Pacioretty suffered a torn achilles tendon for the second time in his National Hockey League career last season and underwent a major surgical procedure to repair the damage back in January, with his recovery expected to extend into this upcoming NHL season.

This week the Capitals confirmed that Pacioretty was still on track to miss the start of the regular season and in fact the update form newly appointed Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery indicated that he likely won't be ready for several more months.

"I'm not sure of the exact timeline," admitted Carbery as per NHL.com "I don't think he'll be ready for the start of the regular season. But whether it's in the November timeframe or December, whenever he's healthy and ready to go, I think it gives us a great asset in Max to be able to, partway into the season, potentially give us a real jolt offensively in our top six, someone who can help us on the power play, someone who has proven time and time again that they can find ways to score, which is something that is coveted around the League."

Carbery is correct in his assesment of Pacioretty as a bonafied goal scorer. The former Montreal Canadiens first round pick has broken the 30 goal plateau on 5 different occasions throughout his NHL career, doing so with both the aforementioned Canadiens and the Vegas Golden Knights. Although his time with the Carolina Hurricanes was limited last season, Pacioretty was on pace for another solid goal-socring season with 3 goals over the 5 games he played prior to suffering the catastrophic injury.

Despite that the Capitals have protected themselves by signing Pacioretty to a deal that comes heavily loaded with bonuses, bonuses that include $1 million for 10 games played, $500,000 for 15 games played and $500,000 for 20 games played this season. Should Pacioretty be limited again this season, the Capitals won't be on the hook for the full amount depending on how many games he is able to suit up for.