Leafs Veteran Max Pacioretty Draws Into The Lineup In Favor Of Young Forward

When the Maple Leafs lost Max Pacioretty to a leg injury last month, it was a worrying sign and a heartbreaking stop to a great story of perseverance as Pacioretty had just overcome two serious Achilles injuries.

It felt like he could be out for a long period of time, but in a great bit of news he's healed up and ready to get back to helping the Maple Leafs. According to Luke Fox of Sportsnet, Pacioretty slides into the lineup tonight against Pittsburgh.

It was later seen that Pacioretty will actually line up with captain Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner meanwhile Matthew Knies takes over on the second line.

Unfortunately for rookie Nikita Grebenkin, he sits in place of Pacioretty as Toronto decides how to best manage their roster with the numerous players about to return from injury.

It turns out Grebenkin isn't the only one scratched, as a last minute decision has been made with Craig Berube taking out Nick Robertson in favor of Alex Nylander minutes before game-time.

Grebenkin didn't register a point in the seven games he played with the Maple Leafs and will more than likely earn himself a demotion once more bodies become activated off the IR. While he didn't score, he endeared himself to the Maple Leafs faithful with his sense of humor.

Although lineups are always subject to change, it's projected that Pacioretty will join back alongside John Tavares and William Nylander as he tries to regain the chemistry he had with both players before he went down with his leg injury, and obviously Grebenkin was scratched in favor of someone else.

He hasn't had a standout offense year, but he does have 6 points in 13 games and was a force on the ice by throwing hits, adding defensive savviness, and another veteran to help guide the team when times get tough.

It's a positive sign to see that Toronto's injury woes are starting to get behind them, and barring any more casualties, the roster is going to look stronger than ever. Though the team would like to add a true third-line center, they can do well with Fraser Minten as the rookie has come in and done a great job.

It will be interesting to see how Pacioretty comes back and if he will be at full speed or if Craig Berube is going to keep him on a minutes restriction in order to make sure that he doesn't risk re-aggravating his injury.