Montreal Canadiens forward Max Pacioretty is headed to Switzerland, and the sixth member of the Habs thus far to sign with a European club during the NHL lockout. During his welcoming press conference, he expressed his understanding of playing for a team which has a rich history.  “It is an honor for me to be here. I grew up with the dream of playing in the NHL, but I also know and understand the European leagues to have arrived in a special team from the great tradition. Right from track one perceives the history of the club, a bit as in Montreal, where the wearer of the shirt does so with great honor. “

Pacioretty also expressed his thinking that the negotiations between the NHL and NHLPA will last a long time, and it will be a long time before a deal will be done. “Personally I think it will last a long time. I think Gary Bettman and the owners will continue with the policy adopted so far, but for me it is not a problem, I have a good situation here and even though I arrived just I can understand why people love this place. I can not wait to play, I’m hungry and focused on what is my current club, the Ambri-Piotta, and I hope to be able to help in what I do best: play hockey. “