Leafs left wing Max Pacioretty (67) during the second period against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs returned to practice at Ford Performance Centre on Tuesday following their three-game California road trip, preparing for a divisional matchup against the Florida Panthers on Wednesday.
In a practice that lasted just 15 minutes, the most notable development was the presence of Max Pacioretty and Jani Hakanpaa, both skating with the team for the first time as they work toward a return from long-term injuries.
“It’s good that they’re out there. They’ve been working with our development crew and people back here skating and trying to get healthy. Hopefully, they can get healthy and be part of the team at some point,” said head coach Berube after practice.
Pacioretty has been sidelined since February 8, when he last played against the Vancouver Canucks before the 4 Nations Face-Off break. He suffered an undisclosed injury in practice on February 19, landing him on injured reserve on February 28. The Maple Leafs moved him to long-term injured reserve (LTIR) on March 7, the NHL trade deadline, for salary cap flexibility. That move ensured he would miss a minimum of 10 games and 24 days.
Despite his absence, Pacioretty (and Hakanpaa) have, at times, been skating ahead of team practices, either on separate ice pads or before the rest of the team – last doing so on March 17. In his first season with the Leafs, Pacioretty has played 37 games, recording five goals and eight assists for 13 points.
“Pretty confident, yeah. I’m pretty confident,” said Berube last week when asked if Pacioretty would be ready for playoff action.
Hakanpaa’s progression is also key. The 6-foot-7, towering defenseman has been out of the lineup since November 16, when he last played against the Edmonton Oilers. He underwent minor knee surgery in hopes of returning in the second half of the season but was placed on LTIR on December 2.
The 33-year-old has only played two games for the Leafs this season, along with two conditioning appearances for the AHL’s Toronto Marlies – remaining pointless in those four outings. He was initially named to Team Finland’s 4 Nations Face-Off roster but had to withdraw due to his recovery timeline.
The Maple Leafs seem optimistic that both Pacioretty and Hakanpaa could be ready for the postseason, steadily progressing in their recoveries as the team moves closer to the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
With just $195,332 in salary cap space, Toronto has been able to utilize LTIR to manage Pacioretty’s $873,770 cap hit and Hakanpaa’s $1.47 million cap hit. However, once the playoffs begin, the salary cap no longer applies, giving the Leafs the flexibility to activate both players if they’re fully ready to return in April.
Starting Goalie Against the Cats
The Leafs have been rotating their goaltending tandem of Joseph Woll and Anthony Stolarz. Woll, who last played on Sunday in Anaheim, was seen getting extra work as Stolarz had already departed the ice on Tuesday – signaling the start for the 31-year-old against his former team on Wednesday.
So, is that the plan?
“Yeah, maybe. I don’t know yet,” said Berube after practice, not revealing his cards.
Stolarz has lost both matchups against the Panthers when he’s been in the crease for the Leafs this season. When asked if that was a factor in the decision-making, Berube dismissed the notion.
“No, not really. No,” said Berube. “It is what it is, the team is 0-and-2.”
Final confirmation on the starting goalie should become available on Wednesday, but all signs point towards Stolarz’s third start against Florida at Scotiabank Arena.
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