Toronto Maple Leafs forward Max Pacioretty missed another game in the early season by sitting out Thursday's matchup against the St. Louis Blues with a lower-body injury, according to FOX Sports. The veteran's absence could soon start to heighten concerns over his durability as his poor injury history could threaten to hamper his steady availability through the season.
Coach Craig Berube provided a measured update on Pacioretty’s status ahead of Thursday's game, labeling him “day-to-day,” per Luke Fox of Sportsnet. The veteran’s history, however, makes this setback feel like a significant blow to a player already battling to stay healthy and only used in an ancillary role among the forward corps of Toronto. Pacioretty is day to day, per Berube.
Pacioretty exited Tuesday’s game against the Columbus Blue Jackets with a lower-body injury, failing to return for the third period. Coach Berube, in a post-game conference, was unable to confirm the severity of the injury, indicating the team would await further evaluations. “We’ll find out (Wednesday),” Berube said , before ultimately ruling Pacioretty out of Thursday's match without providing a concrete timeline for his return to the ice.
Craig Berube says he’s not sure how serious Max Pacioretty’s lower-body injury is. “We’ll find out tomorrow.” @BodogCA Pacioretty, 35, has been plagued by injuries over recent years, most notably two Achilles tendon ruptures that limited him to five games with the Carolina.