Maple Leafs veteran John Tavares reacts to the injury of his linemate Max Pacioretty

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Tom Banks
November 10, 2024 (3:15 PM)

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The Toronto Maple Leafs have dealt with plenty of injuries early in the year, and it's clear that the latest to Max Pacioretty has his linemate John Tavares worried.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have seemingly found their chemistry after a slow start to the season, and one line in particular that's found their groove is the second line of Max Pacioretty, John Tavares, and star winger William Nylander. Through 16 games thus far, the trio have combined for 38 points, and with a top line that's been getting better when healthy alongside a young third line, this may be the deepest Maple Leafs team we've seen in quite some time.

Unfortunately, veteran Max Pacioretty has now suffered his second lower-body injury of the season, and when asked about it after the game, hopes were not high with former Leafs captain John Tavares.

"You just hope the news is better than how he's feeling at the moment. It's never easy to see," Tavares said. "We've obviously found some chemistry together and had some success early, so we're obviously going to miss him and what he brings to the table.»

That last statement doesn't inspire confidence in a return for Pacioretty anytime soon, and after starting the season with a solid six points in 13 games, it's easy to see why the team would miss his veteran presence. This is unfortunately the second time that Pacioretty has been injured this season, raising major concerns about his durability.

If Pacioretty is destined to miss time, Connor Dewar, who recently was recalled in place of Auston Matthews will likely get slotted into the lineup, and given how well Tavares and Nylander are playing, as well as the third and first lines, it's tough to see them breaking that up, with Dewar likely sliding into that spot alongside the second line. Given Pacioretty's physical play, which has been praised by Craig Berube, it will certainly be a big loss if he misses significant time, but given the improvements on this roster, they can survive any injury.