Max Pacioretty Returns To Maple Leafs Lineup Against Penguins, Nikita Grebenkin Scratched, Max Domi And Jake McCabe Could Rejoin Club In Newark

PITTSBURGH — Max Pacioretty will rejoin the Toronto Maple Leafs lineup as the team faces the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG Paints Arena.

Head coach Craig Berube confirmed that Nikita Grebenkin will be scratched to accommodate the 36-year-old veteran forward.

"He's been working and skating, his physical play and forechecking and heavy on the puck and the offense is going to be a big body," Berube said about Pacioretty. "He's a guy that gets in net and uses his shot."

Pacioretty had been performing well before an injury sustained during a game against the Montreal Canadiens on November 9. He had developed strong chemistry on the second line alongside John Tavares and William Nylander. However, Berube noted he’s unsure if Pacioretty will immediately return to that role.

The second-line left-wing position has recently been occupied by Pontus Holmberg, although Fraser Minten briefly stepped in during the Leafs' 3-2 win over the Nashville Predators on Wednesday.

There was some thought that Nick Robertson, who struggled defensively in the Leafs' 3-1 loss to the Washington Capitals, might be the odd man out instead.

Earlier in the day, the Leafs activated Pacioretty from the long-term injured reserve list and placed Jake McCabe on injured reserve. This move created the roster spot needed for Pacioretty, who has recorded two goals and four assists in 13 games.

McCabe and Domi’s Status

Jake McCabe (upper-body injury) and Max Domi (lower-body injury) did not travel with the Leafs to Pittsburgh, according to Berube. However, both players may join the team in Newark, where they will practice before facing the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday.

Once ready to return, McCabe and Domi can be activated immediately, but the team will need to free up roster space as they are currently at the 23-man limit. Grebenkin appears to be the leading candidate for demotion, while Alex Nylander, who has been a healthy scratch for multiple games, could potentially face waivers.