Max Pacioretty Injury: What happened to Leafs winger?

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Max Pacioretty left Saturday’s game against the Montreal Canadiens after injuring his lower body. Late in the first period, he was cross-checked by Canadiens defenseman Mike Matheson. The hit was legal, but Pacioretty fell awkwardly and grabbed the back of his leg.

He skated to the bench but seemed to be in pain. Ryan Reaves and John Tavares helped him to the dressing room as the period ended.

Pacioretty was ruled out midway through the second period, and Leafs PR confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that he wouldn’t return.

"Maple Leafs F Max Pacioretty will not return to tonight’s game (lower body)," Leafs PR tweeted.

In his absence, Bobby McMann joined John Tavares and William Nylander on the team's second line.

Head coach Craig Berube shared few details after the game, saying the team needed a day or two to fully assess the injury.

“We’ll have to see how he is in a day or so.” Berube said.

Max Pacioretty, 35, joined the Maple Leafs on a one-year contract after recovering from two Achilles injuries. He’s been a steady presence, scoring two goals and six points in 13 games while also bringing valuable experience to the locker room.

Max Pacioretty and The Toronto Maple Leafs extend their win streak with a 4-1 victory over Canadiens

The Toronto Maple Leafs extended their winning streak to three games with a 4-1 victory over the Montreal Canadiens. Mitch Marner led the way with a goal and an assist, extending his point streak to eight games. William Nylander matched Marner’s performance, scoring a goal and adding an assist.

Captain John Tavares and Conor Timmins each added a goal, while goalie Joseph Woll made 20 saves. Defenseman Morgan Rielly earned an assist, bringing his career total to 400. He joins Leafs legends Borje Salming and Tomas Kaberle as the only defensemen in franchise history to reach that milestone.

For Montreal, Brendan Gallagher scored their only goal, and Sam Montembeault made 23 saves. This marked Montreal’s sixth consecutive loss, during which they’ve allowed 29 goals and scored just 12. Toronto’s power play improved, scoring twice and bringing its total to eight goals on the last 14 opportunities.

The Leafs have now won nine straight regular-season home games against Montreal. Auston Matthews missed his third game due to injury but might return Tuesday against Ottawa.