Two Key Maple Leafs Forwards Return to Practice After Extended Absence
Toronto got a huge boost at practice on Monday as both Max Pacioretty and Max Domi were seen skating in a big step towards their returns.
Among the litany of injuries that have plagued the Maple Leafs, two of their main forward corps went down, as Max Pacioretty was dealing with a leg injury and Max Domi had some lower-body issues he was working through.
Both men were placed on the IR as fans await their return. That got a big boost as both men were seen practicing according to Luke Fox of Sportsnet on X.
This was later backed up by TSN's Mark Masters:
The return of both men will no doubt help Toronto offensively, and in the case of Pacioretty; come back stronger after dealing with a heartbreaking last two seasons.
Signed as a free agent on a PTO, Pacioretty impressed enough to get a contract then found new life with John Tavares and William Nylander before his injury. With the Leafs he has 6 points in 13 games and was a big part of Toronto's success with Auston Matthews injured.
The former Montreal Canadiens captain has been an underrated force over his NHL career, scoring 674 points in 915 games including six 30-goal seasons.
Domi's return, while perhaps not as anticipated as Pacioretty's is still important for Toronto.
The team is committed to the son of their beloved former enforcer and he still has time to pick things up; a sign that his injury may have bothered him earlier than he led on.
Exploding out of the gate with 6 points in his first 6 games, Domi went completely silent and hasn't registered a point since. His last goal came in April of last year, and the team desperately needs him to get it together. A 10-year veteran, Domi has 423 points in 680 games spent between Arizona, Montreal, Columbus, Carolina, Chicago, Dallas, and Toronto.
It's unknown what date either man will return on, and it seems that Domi will see the ice well before Pacioretty, however it's still a promising sign to see him skating and getting healthy.
The tough decision is now who does Toronto take out once both men return after finding success.
FAQ: Maple Leafs See Two Surprising Returns To Practice
Q1: Which two players returned for the Maple Leafs?
A1: The two players who returned to practice were Max Pacioretty and Max Domi, both men who have been on the IR with various injuries. It's a great sign for both men as they look to make their eventual return.
Q2: When are Max Pacioretty and Max Domi going to come back?
A2: There is no indication as to when either man will return however it's presumed Domi is going to make his way back first according to head coach Craig Berube.
In closing it's a great sign to see both men back on the ice even if they aren't coming back exactly right away. When they make their return, they will no doubt help Toronto as they continue to make their push towards the Stanley Cup.
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