Maple Leafs Forward Pacioretty Exits Game with Lower-Body Injury

Summary: 

• Toronto Maple Leafs’ Max Pacioretty left Tuesday’s game against the Columbus Blue Jackets in the third period because of a lower-body injury. 
• The Leafs lost 6-2 to the Blue Jackets.
• Head coach Craig Berube stated more information on Pacioretty’s injury will be available on Wednesday.

Toronto Maple Leafs veteran forward Max Pacioretty exited Tuesday’s game against the Columbus Blue Jackets in the third period due to a lower-body injury. The NHL player did not make a comeback on the ice.

The Leafs suffered a 6-2 loss, but the main concern following the game was Pacioretty’s status.

Head coach Craig Berube addressed the media after the game, noting that more information regarding the severity of Pacioretty’s injury will be available on Wednesday. 

The 32nd head coach of the Leafs who was ushered in this May hinted at the team’s cautious approach regarding the injury.

Solid Start of a Debut Season

The 35-year-old American forward signed a one-year contract with the Maple Leafs ahead of the start of the season after joining the team on a professional tryout during training camp. 

The player was hoping to prove his value after recovering from two Achilles tendon injuries in five months over the past two seasons. 

So far, he scored two goals over five games, a solid start in his debut season with the Maple Leafs in Toronto.

Impressive Career 

Selected 22nd overall by the Montreal Canadiens in the 2007 NHL Draft, Max Pacioretty has carved out a notable career. 

Over 907 regular-season games, he registered 332 goals and 338 assists, establishing himself as a consistent offensive presence. 

He spent his early years with the Canadiens and he was named the 29th captain of the team in September 2015, a position that he kept until he was traded to the Vegas Golden Knights three years later in 2018. 

There, he became a key contributor. Pacioretty was next acquired by the Carolina Hurricanes in a trade with the Golden Knights in July 2022. 

While this move revitalized his career, he was dealt to the Carolina Hurricanes four seasons later because of the Knights’ salary cap complications.

After hitting free agency in 2023, he inked a one-year contract with the Washington Capitals. There, he played in more games than he did during his time with the Hurricanes, scoring four goals and 19 assists for 23 points in 47 games. 

In postseason play, Pacioretty accumulated 25 goals and 25 assists in 78 career playoff games, helping guide his teams deep into the playoffs multiple times, particularly with Vegas during their Stanley Cup runs.

Now, despite his strong showing early this season following his previous injuries, this latest problem could complicate his comeback.

Maple Leafs fans and management alike will be anxiously awaiting updates on Pacioretty’s condition. 

His veteran presence and scoring ability are expected to play a key role as the team aims to contend for the Stanley Cup in the 2024-25 season.