Leafs Cap Situation Could Force Waiver Move to Activate Player from LTIR

It's been over a month since Max Pacioretty stepped on the ice for the Toronto Maple Leafs, and amid several injuries that have come for the veteran forward this year, it's a big setback in what was a very solid season for the former Canadiens captain.

But he has been on the IR since mid-March and if things are as good as they look, he could return in time for the playoffs.

On Monday, Pacioretty was seen skating on a separate ice pad on his own as he tries to get back to in game shape.

He ended up crossing paths with his teammates afterward and it must be a big relief to them to see the veteran on the ice and working hard toward a return.

No doubt he would be a big addition to the team come playoff time, not only adding the experience the team needs, but another big body who is able to control the game with physically and add some offensive potential to boot.

He's had his best season in two years with the Maple Leafs, but the injury bug can't seem to stay away from him. Only skating in 37 games this year, 'Patches' has 13 points (5G, 8A) but came in like a bull at a china shop with 105 hits; on pace to crush his career high of 119 in 2018-19.

If he does come back before the playoffs, he could easily fit in with the third or fourth line, but a pairing with fellow veteran Scott Laughton and Max Domi could be a sneaky good trio, especially if Laughton picks things up in due time.

It may just be a case of the waiting game and have Pacioretty return when the cap is irrelevant.

Pacioretty wasn't going to score the team 20-25 goals, nor was it expected of him. But he does add a lot of intangibles to the team that his absence has highlighted.

He has a role and understands it well, which is something Toronto has struggled with it feels like as of late.

But if he does come back, it means someone is going to need to be waived. Toronto is tight on the cap, and though Pacioretty isn't expensive, they still need to make room.

We could see Philippe Myers placed on waivers in the interim, and though it's possible a team will claim him, it's highly unlikely. He can help the Marlies defense meanwhile Toronto gets some extra reinforcements up top.

It's awesome to see Max Pacioretty skating and back on the ice, however it's still a mystery as to when he's going to return to in-game action.

But he's close, and that could spell disaster for one of Toronto's lesser utilized players.