Pacioretty left the game following the second period with a lower-body injury.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Toronto Maple Leafs forward Max Pacioretty was unable to return for the third period of the team's 6-2 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena on Tuesday. The team announced he left the game due to a lower-body injury.

A review of the game didn’t show any clear incident that would have caused the 35-year-old to exit early.

Pacioretty, who signed a one-year contract with the Leafs just before the season started, is working to regain form after dealing with two Achilles injuries in recent years.

Leafs head coach Craig Berube didn’t offer specifics after the game, only confirming it was a lower-body injury.

“I’m not sure how serious it is,” Berube said when asked about the severity. “We’ll know more tomorrow.”

Before leaving the game, Pacioretty delivered a big hit to Blue Jackets defenseman David Jiricek, which knocked a glass pane off its stanchion, leading to a brief delay.

The Leafs have Wednesday off, and further updates on Pacioretty’s status are expected Thursday during the morning skate ahead of their game against the St. Louis Blues.

Pacioretty has recorded two goals and five assists so far this season.

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