The Toronto Maple Leafs have made two major announcements regarding the status of both Max Pacioretty and Jake McCabe ahead of their game tonight. The Toronto Maple Leafs have placed defenseman Jake McCabe <a href='https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/maple-leafs-activate-max-pacioretty-place-jake-mccabe-on-ir/' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>on injured reserve with an upper-body injury retroactive to November 30</a> and activated forward Max Pacioretty from long-term injured reserve. <div align='center'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/LeafsPR/status/1865457198249476102'> </a></blockquote></div> <a href='https://www.nhl.com/mapleleafs/player/max-pacioretty-8474157' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>Max Pacioretty</a> has been out for 10 games with a lower-body injury. The move, announced on X, reflects roster management as <a href='https://www.nhl.com/mapleleafs/player/jake-mccabe-8476931' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>Jake McCabe</a> has already fulfilled the mandatory seven-day IR period. McCabe was hurt Nov. 30 when he took a puck to the head in a game against Tampa Bay. He's now missed three games after head coach Craig Berube initially didn't think it was that serious. The 31-year-old did skate with a group Thursday, which means he's getting close to returning, but he won't play Saturday against Pittsburgh. He could be ready for Tuesday against New Jersey. Meanwhile, Pacioretty will make his return Saturday in Pittsburgh. The 36-year-old forward has been practicing and ramping up his activity <a href='https://www.hockeylatest.com/nhl-team/toronto-maple-leafs/leafs-place-max-pacioretty-on-injured-reserve-timeline-of-recovery-has-been-revealed' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>after being injured by a cross-check</a> from Mike Matheson of the Canadiens. <div align='center'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/theScore/status/1865480400031646090'> </a></blockquote></div> He said he's feeling really good and has been medically cleared to return to the lineup. Berube had said earlier in the week that both Pacioretty and Max Domi (lower body) were nearing returns. Domi remains out while waiting for clearance. Pacioretty's return adds depth to a lineup that isn't that far away from getting Domi back. With Pacioretty needing some time to get up to game speed, the Leafs are at least getting closer to full health. McCabe going to IR paved the way on the roster for Pacioretty's activation, with the Leafs inching further toward good health as it juggles injuries and players available.