Feb 1, 2025; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Max Pacioretty (67) waits for the play to begin against the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn ImagesMax Pacioretty attempted to get on the ice Thursday, but it didn't last long.
On Wednesday, the forward was on the ice ahead of Toronto Maple Leafs practice, doing their usual pre-practice work. However, shortly before the full skate began, Pacioretty exited the ice and went to the Maple Leafs' dressing room.
"He tweaked something right when he went out there," Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube said on Wednesday. "I don't think it's serious, but we'll just have to see where he's at."
Toronto had an optional skate on Thursday, two days before their first game back from the 4 Nations Face-Off break. Pacioretty was among the players on the ice but left the session shortly after it started.
"He tried to give it a go but was a no-go," Berube said Thursday. "We’ll see where he’s at tomorrow."
Pacioretty has appeared in 37 games this season with Toronto, scoring five goals and eight assists. He signed a one-year, $1.5 million contract with the Maple Leafs in October and has already reached the maximum payout of his games-played performance bonuses.
The 36-year-old has dealt with numerous injuries this year, including a lower-body injury which forced him to miss a month in November. He also suffered an upper-body injury in mid-January after taking a puck to the ear against the Montreal Canadiens.
Toronto's first day back on the ice was Tuesday, where Pacioretty skated on a line with Pontus Holmberg and Max Domi. Connor Dewar, who's recovering from an upper-body injury, skated in Pacioretty's place during Wednesday's practice.
Berube added that the veteran forward doesn't look ready to play in Toronto's first game against the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday: "Unless he recovers really quick tonight."
Along with Dewar, Calle Jarnkrok is inching towards full health. The 33-year-old hasn't played a game yet this season after undergoing groin and sports hernia surgery in mid-November.
Jani Hakanpaa is also trying to ramp up his game as he deals with injury issues.
"I think we're in pretty good shape," Berube said Wednesday.
"Jarny's working his way back here. He's doing well, so that's good to see, putting in full practice now. And the other guy with Hakanpaa again, that's two days straight, so we'll see where he gets to. But I think we're in pretty good shape health-wise right now, knock on wood.
"We've got a tough stretch come up here, a lot of hockey. So it would be nice to stay healthy, but you only can control what you can control, right? And Dewar, he was out there today. Couldn't do everything, but he did a lot. So I think he's making good progress, too. And, you know, he'll be in practice again coming up here and see where he gets to. But he's on the right way up."
Toronto plays back-to-back games this weekend — on Saturday against Carolina and Sunday against the Chicago Blackhawks.
Stay updated with the most interesting Maple Leafs stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News to never miss a story.