Max Pacioretty and Leafs Head Coach Craig Berube Share Some Potentially Exciting News With Fans

It's been 3 weeks since we last saw Maple Leafs winger Max Pacioretty in game action after the veteran went down with an unfortunate lower-body injury.

Thankfully, Pacioretty, along with fellow veteran Max Domi, were spotted on the ice before practice on Monday, and were also back on the ice for Tuesday's session, skating as extras with the main group.

Following practice, Craig Berube confirmed that the pair of injured Leafs are getting closer to a potential return, but ruled out both players tomorrow against Nashville.

The comments from Berube carried a little extra weight after Pacioretty himself spoke to the media on Tuesday, revealing that he has recovered from the lower-body issue and has used the last couple of weeks to really focus on the areas he believes he can improve upon.

Pacioretty has been a solid addition for the Leafs and has been a decent contributor when healthy, contributing 6 points in his first 8 games before going pointless in his last 5 outings before suffering his injury.

The Leafs have some difficult decisions coming up, as some young Leafs have performed well for the team during their recent call-ups.

Fraser Minten and Nikita Grebenkin have shown themselves to be capable of giving the Leafs some quality minutes in the NHL, which would make their demotions to the AHL feel undeserved. However, with Domi and Pacioretty on the cusp of returning, unless the Leafs plan to waive or trade someone else, they may have no choice but to send the waiver exempt players down while they look to find a solution that allows them to play their most optimal lineup each and every night.

I don't envy Craig Berube and Brad Treliving right now.