Toronto Maple Leafs superstar center Auston Matthews took the ice for the club's optional morning skate on Saturday. But when will he return to game action? Max Pacioretty's return to the Toronto Maple Leafs' lineup appears uncertain following his departure from Saturday's 4-1 victory against the Montreal Canadiens due to a lower-body injury. TSN insider Darren Dreger, speaking on 'First Up' with Aaron Korolnek and Carlo Colaiacovo [https://post.futurimedia.com/chumam/playlist/listen-52804.html], provided an update on Pacioretty's condition: "Sad for Pacioretty, it's extensive," Dreger said. "Nobody's going to disclose the specifics of the injury. I think we could all see that he was grabbing the back of his leg, upper leg, right? When he went down on the ice, we saw him get helped off the ice. I think we'll hear more about that today." The injury occurred during a collision with Canadiens defenseman Mike Matheson in the first period. Pacioretty was seen clutching his left thigh as he headed to the bench. At the end of the period, teammates John Tavares and Ryan Reaves assisted him to the locker room. The timing of Pacioretty's injury could assist Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving with some upcoming roster decisions.. With Auston Matthews expected to return from injured reserve as early as Tuesday's game against the Ottawa Senators, the team faced potential roster constraints. If Pacioretty is placed on injured reserve, it could alleviate the need for trades or waivers to accommodate Matthews' activation. Matthews was sidelined last week with an upper-body injury, though specific details have not been disclosed. His placement on injured reserve allowed forward Connor Dewar to be activated from long-term injured reserve. However, Dewar did not participate in the games on Friday and Saturday for which he was eligible. Pacioretty joined the Maple Leafs on a professional tryout and signed a one-year deal with the club worth as much as $1.5 million if games-played bonuses are reached. He has two goals and four assists in 12 games this season. The Maple Leafs are scheduled to practice on Tuesday. After the session, there should bee more clarity on the status of both Pacioretty and Matthews, who has five goals and six assists in 13 games this season.
