Maple Leafs place Max Pacioretty on IR, Marshall Rifai called up from Toronto Marlies

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Max Pacioretty has been placed on injured reserve, while defenceman Marshall Rifai has been called up from the AHL’s Toronto Marlies.

Pacioretty suffered an injury prior to practice on February 19 and missed the Maple Leafs’ past three games. Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube indicated Wednesday that there was a chance Pacioretty would be able to play in Friday’s game against the New York Rangers.

“It is positive that he is out here today. It wasn’t a taxing practice or anything, but he seemed to get through it okay. He looked fine. He is probably available on Friday, too,” Berube said of Pacioretty on Wednesday.

The 36-year-old has fought through injuries throughout the season, recording five goals and 13 points in 37 games. He’s been able to play throughout the lineup, but there’s room for Alex Steeves to claim a permanent spot, while the Maple Leafs anticipate Calle Jarnkrok’s return to the lineup after the trade deadline. Pontus Holmberg has excelled recently alongside John Tavares and William Nylander coming out of the 4 Nations Face-Off break, some of Pacioretty’s most commonly-used linemates.

Pacioretty signed a one-year deal with the Maple Leafs, receiving all the game-related incentives in his contract after playing in 35 contests this year.

Rifai has been frequently called up by the Maple Leafs throughout the year, but hasn’t suited up for a game. The 26-year-old has recorded three goals and nine points in 44 games with the Marlies this season. Chris Tanev suffered an upper-body injury during Tuesday’s game against the Boston Bruins, leaving the arena with his arm in a sling, so there’s a chance Rifai will make his season debut for the Leafs this weekend. Philippe Myers is expected to take Tanev’s place in the lineup Friday.

It’s likely that Berube makes few alterations to the lineup, as the Maple Leafs enter Friday’s game against the Rangers on a three-game winning streak.