Canadiens' Max Pacioretty: Will miss Thursday's contest

Pacioretty has been ruled out for Thursday's matchup with the Maple Leafs due to the flu, Pat Hickey of The Gazette reports.

Analysis:

With a week until the start of the season, Pacioretty should be cleared in time for Opening Night. The veteran should be unaffected by missing a preseason contest and ought to be in line for his fourth consecutive season of 60-plus points this year. In addition to his even-strength contributions, the winger snagged eight goals and nine assists while averaging just under three minutes per night with the man advantage last season.