When the Toronto Maple Leafs acquired Matias Maccelli, reactions have been cut up. For these conversant in his recreation, there’s quite a bit to love—particularly if he can bounce again to his earlier type. However for a lot of followers, Maccelli arrived as an unknown, and with that comes uncertainty. Did the Maple Leafs make a sensible guess on a talented playmaker, or did they convey in a questionable match for a group attempting to reshape its id?
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Right here’s what we consider Maple Leafs followers ought to know in regards to the gifted, if inconsistent, Finnish winger.
Maccelli’s Early Profession and Rise to the NHL
Maccelli was born in Turku, Finland, on Oct. 14, 2000. He performed his junior hockey with the Dubuque Preventing Saints in the USA Hockey League (USHL). In his remaining USHL season, he scored 31 targets and added 41 assists for a complete of 72 factors in 62 video games.
After being drafted 98th general within the fourth spherical of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft by the Arizona Coyotes, Maccelli returned to Finland to play for Ilves Tampere within the Finnish Liiga. There, he received the Rookie of the 12 months Award after scoring 13 targets, 17 assists, and 30 factors in 43 video games. He improved in his second Liiga season, scoring 15 targets and accumulating 39 factors in 51 video games.
Macelli’s Transition to North America and NHL Debut
Maccelli started the 2021-22 season with the Tucson Roadrunners, Arizona’s American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the place he posted higher than a point-per-game tempo — 57 factors in 47 video games (14 targets, 43 assists). He was referred to as as much as the NHL in March 2022, ending the season with Arizona, the place he tallied one purpose and 5 assists in 23 video games.
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In his first full NHL season, Maccelli scored 11 targets and added 38 assists for 49 factors in 64 video games, ending fourth in voting for the NHL’s Calder Trophy (Rookie of the 12 months). He adopted that up with 17 targets and 57 factors within the 2023-24 season.
Macelli’s Current Struggles and Commerce to the Maple Leafs
When the Coyotes ceased operations after the 2023-24 season, their belongings, together with Maccelli, have been transferred to the Utah Hockey Membership. Sadly, his manufacturing declined sharply in Utah, along with his ice time dropping from 16:14 to 13:44 per recreation, and his output falling to only eight targets and 18 factors in 55 video games.

Maccelli, who was within the second yr of a three-year, $3.425 million-per-season contract, fell out of favour in Utah. He was subsequently traded to the Maple Leafs for a conditional draft decide: both a third-round decide in 2027 or a second-round decide in 2029. If Maccelli scores greater than 50 factors this season with Toronto, the decide upgrades to the second spherical.
What Does Maccelli Carry to the Maple Leafs?
Buying Maccelli is a little bit of a bet. For him to justify his $3.425 million cap hit, he must return to his 49-57 level type from his Coyotes days. If he delivers nearer to his 18-point Utah season, this commerce will probably be considered as a poor deal.
For the primary time in 9 seasons, the Maple Leafs usually are not severely cap-strapped, permitting them to tackle this financial danger. Maccelli’s contract expires after the upcoming season, giving Toronto flexibility transferring ahead.
Enjoying Type and Match on the Crew
Maccelli isn’t exactly the kind of participant you’d anticipate common supervisor Brad Treliving to focus on if he’s seeking to change the Maple Leafs’ “DNA.” Nor does he look like a pure match for head coach Craig Berube’s desire for larger, extra bodily forwards. The query is whether or not he turns into one other Nicolas Robertson, with an offensive aptitude however combating for ice time.
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At 5-foot-11 and 185 kilos, Maccelli registered simply six hits over 55 video games final season. His giveaway fee is regarding, over two and a half instances increased than his takeaway fee (167 giveaways to 66 takeaways). Maccelli shouldn’t be poised to take over Mitch Marner’s position on the penalty kill.
Strengths and Areas for Enchancment in Maccelli’s Recreation
The place Maccelli shines is puck distribution. Watching his spotlight reel feels harking back to Marner’s fashion — glorious imaginative and prescient and pinpoint passing accuracy. Whereas Marner is right-handed and Maccelli is a lefty, he’s listed as each a proper and left-winger, so there’s an opportunity he might nonetheless slide onto Auston Matthews’ proper wing.
That stated, if Maccelli desires constant ice time beneath Berube, he’ll want to enhance defensively and adapt to a extra bodily fashion of play. With Robertson already certified, it’s value asking if Berube desires one other undersized ahead in a lineup he prefers to emphasise dimension and grit.
The Backside Line: Maccelli Has Expertise, However Can He Carry Consistency?
Maccelli arrives in Toronto as a gifted however inconsistent winger with clear offensive expertise however questions round defensive play and physicality. The Maple Leafs have the cap area to take an opportunity on him, however this season will probably be essential for Maccelli to show he can ship at a excessive degree and carve out a significant position on the group.
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If he can come near his Calder Trophy candidate season, he might be a steal for the Maple Leafs.
[Note: I want to thank long-time Maple Leafs fan Stan Smith for collaborating with me on this post. Stan’s Facebook profile can be found here.]