Max Pacioretty Explains Why He Believes Maple Leafs Star Auston Matthews Is The 'Best Player In The World'

Pacioretty spoke about Matthews, who missed Tuesday's game against the Boston Bruins with an upper-body injury.

The Toronto Maple Leafs found themselves without their top player, Auston Matthews, on Tuesday night. Yet, even with Matthews sidelined, they managed a commanding 4-0 victory over their division rivals, the Boston Bruins, at Scotiabank Arena. 

Following the team's next practice on Thursday,  Pacioretty was asked what it is about missing a star player like Matthews that sometimes seems to push the team to elevate their game. Pacioretty, though, was quick to sidestep any implication that the Leafs might somehow be better off without their top scorer on the ice.

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"No, I'm not gonna say that," Pacioretty responded emphatically. "I mean, we're talking about the best player in the world here. So you want him in the lineup every night possible, and there's no replacing him." He continued, "There's a boost when you know that he's in here, and you know, doing everything he can to come back and help the team. Maybe that gives you a boost in a sense where it's like, we want to make sure that we do right by him. He's our leader. But I mean, once again, we're talking about the best player in the world. It's tough to justify."

Pacioretty’s response underscored just how valuable Matthews is to the Maple Leafs, not only for his on-ice skills but also for the intangible qualities he brings as a leader. Pacioretty, himself a previous NHL All-Star with extensive experience, has witnessed countless top players in action, but his praise for Matthews is particularly striking. When pressed on what exactly makes Matthews the best, Pacioretty detailed his admiration.

"Just his attention to detail is crazy," Pacioretty said, emphasizing the well-rounded nature of Matthews’ game. "He doesn't score goals one way. He doesn't cheat to create offense. He understands the situations of the game. He's a beast on the puck, quick feet. I mean, he's got it all."

Pacioretty didn't just highlight Matthews’ goal-scoring prowess. The 26-year-old has built a reputation for being a responsible player who doesn’t compromise team structure for individual success.

 "It's also clear as day that it wasn't handed to him," Pacioretty added. "He's out here working every day. And that sets the tone for our team and a big reason why he's our captain." 

As for Matthews’ status, the star center was  absent from Thursday's practice. Without clear confirmation on when he would return, his availability for Friday's game against the Detroit Red Wings remains uncertain. The Maple Leafs did clarify that his current upper-body injury is unrelated to the wrist issues he has dealt with in the past. 

TSN’s Chris Johnston reported that he is a possibility for Saturday’s game against the Montreal Canadiens, depending on his recovery progress.