Max Pacioretty signed a PTO with the Toronto Maple Leafs over the summer and many were curious to see how this would all work out for the NHL veteran.
So far, Pacioretty hasn't been amazing. He has been benched at the ends of games and his age is clearly catching up to him. So much so that on Wednesday night, Craig Berube made Pacioretty a healthy scratch against the Los Angeles Kings. This is a game that the Leafs ended up winning by a score of 6-2.
Following the game, Berube was asked about his decision not to play Pacioretty. As Berube noted, it is nothing personal. At the end of the day, it is just one of the harsh realities of the game, as he can't play everyone, every single night.
'We have extra players, and not everybody can play every night. That's the bottom line,' Berube said. 'He's been fine when he's played. But I've got to make decisions as a coach, and I'm going to make those decisions based on what I think is best for the team.'
Of course, Pacioretty could very well have other opportunities to get into the lineup. It's not all bad out there in Maple Leaf land. However, if Pacioretty doesn't get many more opportunities in the lineup, then he could be off the team sooner than originally believed. At his age, Pacioretty needs to make the most of the opportunity.
