Long-time NHL insider Bob McKenzie mentioned on few Friday the possible return timeline for several members of the Toronto Maple Leafs. It seems that one of them is available right on queue in Max Pacioretty, who was activated from the LTIR.
To accommodate the move, the Maple Leafs placed defenseman Jake McCabe on the IR with an upper body injury -- a move that is retroactive to November 30th, which should allow McCabe to return as expected this week, if all goes according to plan.
McKenzie mentioned that McCabe should be back ahead of Tuesday's game against New Jersey, so this is essentially just a paper transaction to open up a roster spot for Pacioretty.
In 13 games this season, Pacioretty has 2 goals and 6 points, a plus-4 rating, and has averaged 12:11 TOI. McCabe on the other hand has 5 assists in 23 games, a plus-11 rating, and 21:20 ATOI and will be welcomed back with open arms.