Major Setback for Max Pacioretty and Maple Leafs Ahead of Busy Weekend
The Maple Leafs have yet another injury setback, as forward Max Pacioretty's status for the weekend game doesn't give hope for the veteran.
With the Maple Leafs heading into a busy weekend right after the 4 Nations Face-Off break, they will be looking to make a statement against the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday.
However, the team will need to do so without the services of Max Pacioretty as the veteran forward missed practice on Friday, and was ruled out for the weekend's slate of games against Carolina and Chicago.
While it's unknown what the injury is, it's not a positive look for the veteran who has already dealt with two separate injuries this season.
Max Pacioretty's Rollercoaster Season For Toronto Maple Leafs
Signed at the end of the offseason in order to bring some secondary scoring and a veteran presence, while he hasn't been as big an offensive catalyst, he's brought a new edge to his game and is playing a lot more aggressively.
But unfortunately that aggression has come with consequences, as Pacioretty has missed several games due to two separate injuries. First, he got tangled up with Montreal's Michael Matheson and ended up suffering a leg injury.
Then, coincidentally against Montreal again he took a puck to the side of the head and had to miss some time again.
If Pacioretty is going to be out for some time again, it makes things a little tougher for the Maple Leafs, but they could have Connor Dewar take his spot when he returns, or use Jacob Quillan/Fraser Minten as potential placeholders.
This season, Pacioretty has five goals and eight assists in 37 games but in those games he has 105 hits; only 15 off setting a career-high.
But for his career, the man known affectionately known as 'Patches' has 335 goals and 346 assists in 939 games playing for the Canadiens, Golden Knights, Hurricanes, Capitals, and Maple Leafs.
![Feb 13, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Auston Matthews (34) looks on against Team Finland in the second period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images](https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/medium/531249.webp "Feb 13, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Auston Matthews (34) looks on against Team Finland in the second period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images")
![Feb 13, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Auston Matthews (34) looks on against Team Finland in the first period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images](https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/medium/531292.webp "Feb 13, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Auston Matthews (34) looks on against Team Finland in the first period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images")
