Max Pacioretty expresses frustration after being a healthy scratch.

The Toronto Maple Leafs signed veteran forward Max Pacioretty to a one year deal after a strong showing in training camp and the preseason, but, for one reason or another, Pacioretty has been held out of the lineup by head coach Craig Berube over the course of the team's last two games.

As you might imagine that is a less than ideal situation for any veteran player in the National Hockey League, but the nature of Pacioretty's new deal likely makes it an even more frustrating issue for the 35 year old forward.

Pacioretty was signed to a 1 year deal with a salary of $873,770 but his contract also includes a pair of performance bonuses that are contingent on the number of games he plays this season. When crossing the 10 game threshold Pacioretty will receive an additional $313,115, and he will receive that same amount again if he crosses the 35 game threshold.

Keeping that in mind, it came as no surprise when Pacioretty expressed his frustration at being held out of the lineup this weekend. To his credit however, Pacioretty appeared to be doing his best to maintain a positive outlook despite the frustrating situation he now finds himself in.

"I’m dealing with it the best I can, just work. I'm at this stage of my career for a reason," said Pacioretty. "Would I rather be playing? Of course, anyone would rather be playing, but at the same time, I know I can help the team, even when I'm not playing."

The Leafs were frustrated by New York Rangers star goaltender Igor Shesterkin on Saturday night, losing by a score of 4-1 to the Rangers despite dominating much of the offensive play through the first 40 minutes of the game, and perhaps that will open a pathway for a proven goalscorer like Pacioretty to work his way back into the lineup.

Update: It looks as though Pacioretty will indeed draw back into the lineup based on Monday's morning skate.