Leafs Max Pacioretty injured during game with no timeline for a return
Max Pacioretty left last night's Leafs game in the second period with what is being called a lower-body injury, and there are no details on his current health.
Toronto Maple Leafs forward Max Pacioretty was held out of the third period in Tuesday's 6-2 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets. In the game at Nationwide Arena, Pacioretty left with what ultimately was declared a lower-body injury. The team made that announcement after he left, but they have not elaborated on the severity.
There wasn't one clear-cut moment throughout the game that would show exactly when the 35-year-old got hurt. Pacioretty was having a very strong game up until he had to leave, where he was making big plays out on the ice for the Leafs. It is still not quite certain exactly how he came to be injured.
Pacioretty has been diligently working his way back to form after two Achilles injuries in recent years, joining the Leafs on a one-year deal just before the start of the year. So far, this season has been hopeful; the veteran forward boasts two goals and five assists through this regular season. This latest setback adds to the challenges he's faced in his quest to stay healthy and contribute at a high level.
After the game, Leafs head coach Craig Berube would only say the injury to Pacioretty was to the lower body. The injury occurred just moments after Pacioretty delivered a big hit to Blue Jackets defenseman David Jiricek. It was hard enough to pop out a pane of glass, forcing a short delay in the action.
The Leafs will not skate Wednesday, but a further update on Max Pacioretty is likely to come Thursday morning ahead of their evening matchup against the visiting St. Louis Blues. For now, Toronto remains optimistic the injury is minor and he returns to the ice in short order.
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