Max Pacioretty Injury: Updates on Canadiens Forward's Head and Return

Montreal Canadiens left winger Max Pacioretty suffered a head injury Tuesday. It is unclear when he will return to the ice. 

Continue for updates.

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Pacioretty Ruled Out for Remainder of Tuesday's Game

Tuesday, Jan. 26

Stu Cowan of the Montreal Gazette noted Pacioretty was hit in the side of the head with a shot against the Columbus Blue Jackets, and Eric Engels of Sportsnet.ca confirmed he would not return to the contest. 

After the game, head coach Michel Therrien said the winger would be fine, per John Lu of TSN. 

This is a disappointing setback for Pacioretty because he is coming off a formidable 2014-15 campaign when he scored a career-high 67 points off 37 goals and 30 assists. He also played a career-high 80 games, and his durability was one reason the Canadiens reached the postseason.

He had 19 goals and 17 assists this season coming into Tuesday's game.

If he is forced to miss extensive time, the Canadiens will miss his speed, quick wrist shot and ability to push the puck into the offensive zone off the break, which leads to plenty of goal-scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.

It will be up the other offensive playmakers to do the same during Pacioretty’s absence.

Lars Eller is a former first-round pick who has proved durable throughout his career. He played 77 games in each of the last two seasons and should carry the load while Pacioretty heals.

Elsewhere, Tomas Fleischmann boasts extensive postseason experience as an 11-year veteran. He tallied 14 assists last season as someone who consistently looks to open up his teammates and will try to improve on those numbers with this opportunity.

While Montreal still has some pieces to remain in postseason contention without Pacioretty, it needs one of its best goal scorers back on the ice if it hopes to fulfill its expectations.