Toronto Maple Leafs forward Max Pacioretty left Saturday’s game against the Montreal Canadiens with a lower-body injury and will not return.

Pacioretty clutched the back of his leg and skated to the bench near the end of the first period, after receiving a legal cross check from Canadiens defenceman Mike Matheson. He fell awkwardly from the check and was slow to get up.

He was ruled out of the game with a lower-body injury mid-way through the second period.

“Lower body. We’ll have to see like in a day or so what’s going on with him. That’s really all I have for that,” Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube said of Pacioretty’s injury post-game.

The 35-year-old remained on the bench, and then was assisted by Ryan Reaves and John Tavares to the dressing room as the first period came to an end. Pacioretty couldn’t put any weight on his left leg as he left the ice. Pacioretty did not return for the second period, with Bobby McMann taking his place on Toronto’s nominal second line, alongside Tavares and William Nylander.

Here is a video of Pacioretty heading to the bench.

And here’s the video of Pacioretty leaving the ice at the end of the first period, while accompanied by Reaves and Tavares.

Pacioretty joined the Maple Leafs on a professional tryout agreement, then signed a one-year contract at the end of training camp. He battled back from multiple Achilles injuries and was looking to revamp his career with the Maple Leafs, in pursuit of an elusive Stanley Cup. It would be a crushing loss for both Pacioretty and the Maple Leafs if he missed a lengthy amount of time. Connor Dewar, who was activated off injured reserve on Friday, could be a potential replacement.

Pacioretty recorded two goals and six points in 13 games this season for the Maple Leafs and has operated as a stellar veteran presence in the locker room, displaying a willingness to accept his role with the ability to play throughout the lineup.