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Leafs head coach Craig Berube provided an unfortunate update on Max Pacioretty’s injury following Saturday’s win over the Montreal Canadiens.

In the first period of the Leafs’ win over the Habs, Pacioretty was cross-checked by Mike Matheson as he was attempting to back his way to the front of the net. The cross-check led to Pacioretty falling awkwardly and immediately signalling to the bench in pain. Pacioretty was able to make it back to the bench under his own power but had to be helped off the ice and to the dressing room by two teammates and a pair of trainers.

Following the game, Craig Berube was asked for an update on Pacioretty’s injury and although he was vague, it did not sound promising.
“Lower body. We will have to see what is going on there. That is really all I have for that.”
 

Berube also noted that the 35-year-old will be re-evaluated in a couple of days to determine the severity of his injury.

The Leafs were already without Auston Matthews , who was placed on IR this week. Thankfully, he was back on the ice on Saturday morning and is eligible to return for Tuesday’s clash against the Ottawa Senators, health permitting.

The silver-lining for the Leafs in this situation is that they can place Pacioretty on IR and activate Matthews without having to send an additional player through waivers or make a trade, giving Brad Treliving more time to sort out the roster.

Pacioretty signed a 1-year, bonus-laden deal with the Leafs ahead of the regular season and was playing rather well alongside John Tavares and William Nylander on the Leafs’ 2nd line.

Hopefully, the injury looked worse than it is, but early indications are that he could miss some significant time.