Max Pacioretty Placed on Injured Reserve

The Toronto Maple Leafs have placed forward Max Pacioretty on injured reserve due to a lower-body injury sustained during a recent game against the Montreal Canadiens. Pacioretty, 35, suffered the injury after being cross-checked by Mike Matheson, and he will be sidelined for several weeks, leaving the Leafs without both him and captain Auston Matthews, who is also on IR. Pacioretty has recorded six points in 13 games this season, marking his first year with Toronto after joining on a one-year deal. His injury history, including multiple surgeries on his Achilles, raises concerns about his recovery. As the Leafs prepare for their next game against the Ottawa Senators, they will need other players to step up in Pacioretty's absence. Coach Craig Berube stressed the importance of maintaining a competitive lineup amidst these injuries.