Toronto Maple Leafs forward Max Pacioretty is projected to be a healthy scratch for the second consecutive game and met with reporters after Saturday’s optional morning skate to discuss his benching.
Pacioretty was omitted prior to Wednesday’s game against the Los Angeles Kings, as the odd man out in Toronto’s lineup. Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube told reporters that it was merely a decision he needed to make, before expanding further on his rationale.
“I’m dealing with it the best I can, just work,” Pacioretty said after Saturday’s optional morning skate. “I’m at this stage of my career for a reason. Would I rather be playing? Of course, anyone would rather be playing, but at the same time, I know I can help the team, even when I’m not playing. I had a good workout out there and just keep working on my game.”
Pacioretty signed a one-year contract worth $873,770 after making the team on a professional tryout agreement on October 7. The total compensation of Pacioretty’s contract is $1.5 million, which includes two separate $313,115 bonuses, to be paid out when he plays 10 and 35 games, respectively.
“I don’t really need a message,” Pacioretty said. “I’ve played for a long time. I know it’s a long season and when you’re looking at the playoffs, it’s a whole new season there. Obviously, it’s a big deal that I’m getting asked about it but at the same time, I don’t focus on any of that stuff I can’t control. I can control working on my game and being a good teammate.”
Pacioretty scored during Toronto’s 4-2 victory over the New Jersey Devils and can be deployed throughout the lineup in either a top-six or bottom-six role, as the Maple Leafs flex their positional versatility in the early stages of the season.
“There’s no message,” Berube said of Pacioretty’s scratch following Wednesday’s 6-2 victory over the Kings. “We have guys, we have extra players, and not everybody can play every night, that’s the bottom line. He’s been fine when he’s played, but I gotta make decisions as a coach, and I’m gonna make those decisions what I think is best for the team.”
