Maple Leafs’ Max Pacioretty doubtful vs. Hurricanes, Blackhawks

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Max Pacioretty is considered doubtful for Saturday’s game against the Carolina Hurricanes and Sunday’s game against the Chicago Blackhawks.

“He went out and tried to do some stuff, but it was a no-go. We’ll see where he is at tomorrow,” Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube said via Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun.

Pacioretty suffered an injury prior to Wednesday’s practice. Berube told reporters it’s unlikely he’ll play this weekend, unless Pacioretty recovers quickly Thursday. Pacioretty skated alongside Pontus Holmberg and Max Domi at Wednesday’s session.

The 36-year-old has recorded five goals and 13 points in 37 games, showing the ability to be deployed throughout the lineup. He signed a one-year contract worth $1.5 million with the Maple Leafs, after excelling in training camp on a professional tryout agreement.

Pacioretty previously suffered a lower-body injury on November 9 against the Montreal Canadiens, and missed nearly a month of action as a result. More recently, Pacioretty was placed on injured reserve on January 22 after taking a puck to the face in a game against the Canadiens and returned to action on January 29.

It’s unclear at the time of this filing how Pacioretty’s absence will affect the Maple Leafs’ lines, as Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner square off in Thursday’s 4 Nations Face-Off, while William Nylander hasn’t returned to practice after recording two assists for Team Sweden. It’s possible that Connor Dewar, or recent call-up Alex Steeves could form a third line with Holmberg and Domi for Saturday’s game against the Hurricanes.

Calle Jarnkrok could also get activated from long-term injured reserve (LTIR) after returning to practice this week. Jarnkrok hasn’t played in a game this season, after undergoing groin and sports hernia surgery in November.

It appears that Pacioretty is most likely to return Tuesday, when the Maple Leafs square off against the Boston Bruins.