Maple Leafs Veteran Benched in Toronto's Win Over the Pittsburgh Penguins

PUBLICATION

TJ Tucker
October 13, 2024 (10:46)

SHARE THIS STORY

While the Toronto Maple Leafs were beating the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday night, head coach Craig Berube kept veteran Max Pacioretty planted on the bench

Craig Berube was brought in by the Toronto Maple Leafs for his no-nonsense and blunt approach to coaching in hopes that players would respond. That approach was on full display in Saturday night's 4-2 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Max Pacioretty signed a one-year deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs after a successful training camp to add more depth to the team's lineup. He's a veteran with a proven track record, but that doesn't mean he gets any shortcuts. Pacioretty was limited to just three shifts in the third period Saturday night, and got under 11 total minutes of ice-time in the game. He was also removed from the first powerplay line in the third frame.

Max Pacioretty has one goal so far in three games on the season. His one goal, his first as a Maple Leafs, came against the New Jersey Devils on Thursday. Over his first three games, he's averaged about 11 minutes of TOI per game.

Head coach Craig Berube and the Toronto Maple Leafs will need more from the veteran Max Pacioretty going forward. Yes, he's on a low-risk contract, making just about the league minimum before potential bonuses are added. That clearly won't give him a free pass with Berube, who appears to have no problem keeping players accountable.

Fellow veteran missed Saturday's practice before the game against the Pittsburgh Penguins and was not on the ice for the matchup. He is confirmed to be under the weather with an illness. It does not sound like it's anything serious at this point. The Maple Leafs now have a bit of a break before their next game, which is against the LA Kings on Wednesday night.