When the Toronto Maple Leafs signed veteran forward Max Pacioretty to a one-year contract, there was a belief that the player's playoff experience would be relied upon around this time of year.

Based on the way things shook out at practice, it looks like Pacioretty, who hasn't played in the last couple of months due to a combination of injury and roster restrictions, will not be in the lineup when the Maple Leafs lineup when they host the Ottawa Senators in Game 1 of their first-round playoffs series.

'We'll See Tomorrow': Maple Leafs Reveal Lineup For Game 1 Against Senators, But Could It Change? The Toronto Maple Leafs aren't changing much ahead of Game 1 on Sunday against the Ottawa Senators.

Pacioretty hasn't played for the Leafs since Feb. 8. He appeared to have tweaked something during practice as the club returned from the 4 Nations break, but never got into game before the end of the regular season. 

Although he had practiced with the club the last couple of weeks, the Leafs never had any roster room to activate the player from long-term injured reserve.

‘It’s Good That They’re Out There’: Max Pacioretty, Jani Hakanpaa, Return To Maple Leafs Practice Amid Long-Term Injury Absence The Toronto Maple Leafs returned to practice at Ford Performance Centre on Tuesday following their three-game California road trip, preparing for a divisional matchup against the Florida Panthers on Wednesday.

"Professional," Pacioretty said about how he's dealing with it.  "No matter if you’re playing or not, you always prepare as if you are. And it’s no different if you are playing or not."

Pacioretty shut down any questions about his injury or if he was still injured. Based on the fact that he was a full participant during the practice session, it's evident that isn't the case. 

'Hopefully It's Nothing Serious': Max Pacioretty Misses Maple Leafs Practice After Sustaining Injury Before Session Began Pacioretty has been injured twice this season.

Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube confirmed that there were lots of discussions as to whether or not to include Max Pacioretty 

When asked if he's ready to play if needed, Pacioretty kept his response about the team.

"The team’s in a really good spot right now," He said. "We’ve been playing really good hockey and want to keep that momentum going into the playoffs here."

Why The Maple Leafs Placed Max Pacioretty On Injured Reserve, Called Up Marshall Rifai From Marlies Pacioretty hasn't appeared in a game with Toronto since before the 4 Nations Face-Off.

Pacioretty has 25 goals and 25 assists in 78 career playoff games. He signed a one-year, incentive-laden contract following a pair of Achilles injuries that limited the player to five games in a span of two years, before playing 47 games with the Washington Capitals in the 2023-24 season. He also had one point in four games during Washington's first-round playoff series in 2024.

Pacioretty was also asked if it's been challenging to stay ready when he hasn't played in over two months.

"No challenge," the usually talkative Pacioretty said. "Just be a professional."

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