Max Pacioretty made the Toronto Maple Leafs following a successful PTO, however, his ice time this season has been minimal at best.
Earlier in the week, the Toronto Maple Leafs played a game against the Los Angeles Kings. During that game, Pacioretty was a healthy scratch. When asked about why he scratched Pacioretty, head coach Craig Berube had an interesting answer. At the end of the day, it comes down to the fact that there are only so many roster spots out there.
‘We have extra players. Not everybody can play every day. That’s the bottom line. He’s been fine when he’s played. But I got to make decisions as a coach, and I’m going to make those decisions, what I think is best for the team.’
Now, it is being reported headed into tonight’s game against the New York Rangers that Pacioretty will likely be scratched again. Based on information at practice, he is projected to not make it into the lineup. This is going to be sad news for fans who were invested in his success.
At this stage, one has to wonder whether or not Pacioretty will get a lot of playing time at all this year. So far, he seems to be an afterthought for head coach Craig Berube. At this point, he may either just get cut or he will need to request a trade to even see the ice.