Maple Leafs activate forward Max Pacioretty off injured reserve

Toronto will be getting a dose of offence back in its lineup on Wednesday.

Maple Leafs forward Max Pacioretty has been activated off injured reserve, the team announced ahead of its game against Minnesota. Winger Matthew Knies was placed on IR retroactive to Jan. 22 in a corresponding move.

The veteran Pacioretty has been sidelined since Jan. 18 with an upper-body injury after taking a puck to the side of the head.

In 32 games with the Leafs this season, the 36-year-old has five goals and seven assists. The Leafs have scored just twice in their past two games, both of which were losses.

Knies left last Wednesday’s game against Columbus early after an awkward fall. The 22-year-old forward has 18 goals and 31 points this season.

Goalie Anthony Stolarz, who has been out since Dec. 12 with a knee injury, practised again on Tuesday and appears to be nearing a return to game action.

“I don’t think it will be a whole lot longer,” head coach Craig Berube said on Friday. “He’s doing great, it’s very encouraging news.”

Injured forwards John Tavares, Calle Jarnkrok, Connor Dewar and Jacob Quillan remain out.

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