Toronto Maple Leafs forward Max Pacioretty has been placed on injured reserve and is listed as week-to-week with a lower-body injury, the team announced Monday.

Pacioretty suffered the injury during Saturday’s game against the Montreal Canadiens. The 35-year-old was legally checked by Canadiens defenceman Mike Matheson, and he fell awkwardly to the ground. Pacioretty clutched the back of his leg as he skated to the bench near the end of the first period. He was assisted by John Tavares and Ryan Reaves while leaving the ice during the first intermission and did not return.

“It’s going to be some time, but hopefully we can get him back in the not too distant future,” Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving said of Pacioretty’s injury via TSN’s Mark Masters.

The exact nature of the injury hasn’t been revealed yet, but the week-to-week designation suggests that Pacioretty avoided an Achilles injury. Pacioretty worked his way back from multiple Achilles injuries and is in the middle of a resurgent campaign with the Maple Leafs, recording two goals and six points in 13 games this season.

Pacioretty initially joined the Maple Leafs on a professional tryout option (PTO) then signed a one-year deal worth $873,770 with the Maple Leafs, with two bonus structures tied to the 10-game and 35-game milestones. He has thrived on Toronto’s second line alongside John Tavares and William Nylander, but has displayed a willingness to be deployed throughout the lineup.

Connor Dewar could be Pacioretty’s immediate replacement in the lineup. Dewar was activated from long-term injured reserve on November 8 and has yet to make his season debut. The 25-year-old is a natural centre who can be deployed on the penalty kill. He was acquired in a March 8 trade with the Minnesota Wild and recorded one goal and five points in 15 regular season games, before adding one assist in six playoff contests.

In additional news, Auston Matthews did not attend Monday’s skate. Matthews is eligible to return Tuesday against the Ottawa Senators. Toronto’s captain skated during Saturday’s optional session, participating in shooting drills with teammates.