The Leafs are missing one underrated piece from last season more than fans realize

Suffice to say the 2025-26 season for the Toronto Maple Leafs has been anything but a repeat of last season. What was once a strong defensive team with solid goaltending and a red-hot power-play has turned into a team with a ton of disappointment with the playoffs nearly out of reach.

There are certainly new faces who have come in and helped out, and you can't deny that the ones who left didn't have a big role in their success.

But there is one player who hasn't really been talked about, who struggled with injuries and despite all that -- was a key part of the lineup last year and it feels like the Maple Leafs miss him.

There was a lot of hoopla around Max Pacioretty when he signed with the Maple Leafs as it was not only another older signing, but it was the fact he captained their most heated rivals -- Montreal, for years.

In coming over however, he put in a solid year that was unfortunately beset by injuries once again. Always seemingly a player who can't catch a break, Pacioretty only appeared in 37 games during the regular season but was a big part of their playoff push, with eight points in 11 games.

It has fans clamouring for times of old it seems on social media as well:

Pacioretty added a much more physical edge last year and actually put in some of the best hitting numbers of his career. While he was on borrowed time it seems, he put in every ounce of effort despite the setbacks.

Pacioretty decided to put his career on hold for now, and hasn't officially retired by NHL metrics, though admitted he wanted to spend more time with family and ensure his health comes first -- he currently works with the University of Michigan.

While we may not see Max Pacioretty in a Maple Leafs uniform again, you can't help but wonder how things would have been had he not gotten hurt. But at least he's seemingly going out on his own terms.

Doesn't mean fans don't miss him dearly however.

Also read on Hockey Patrol :
The Easton Cowan move fans expected? The Leafs can’t do it because of one rule