Maple Leafs Coach Opens Up On Decision To Scratch Veteran Forward

The Toronto Maple Leafs beat the Los Angeles Kings 6-2 on October 16 but veteran forward Max Pacioretty was not in the lineup.

Pacioretty signed a one-year deal with the Maple Leafs this offseason but in Toronto’s fourth game of the season, he was a healthy scratch. Following the game, Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube spoke to the media and explained his decision to We have extra players,” Berube said. “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.

Pacioretty has recorded 1 goal in 3 games with Toronto this season. However, it wasn’t enough to keep him in the lineup as Berube opted to healthy scratch the veteran forward with 905 career games.

Before Pacioretty was a healthy scratch, he spoke to the media the day before the Kings game and said it has been difficult to change to a new team.