Controversial young Maple Leaf forcing tough decisions in the front office
It hasn't been the smoothest start for Matias Maccelli with the Toronto Maple Leafs, but he is establishing himself into a roster spot - surpassing many other players.
Maccelli, 25, began his career with the Coyotes/Mammoth organization. He was acquired by the Maple Leafs on June 30th for a conditional third round pick in 2027.
If Maccelli scores 51 points this year, that pick will become a second-rounder. With 42 games remaining in the series, he would need to score at a nearly point-per-game pace.
The Toronto Maple Leafs announced today that the hockey club has acquired Matias Maccelli from the Utah Mammoth in exchange for a conditional third-round selection in 2027. Should the Maple Leafs earn a playoff berth and Maccelli records at least 51 points in 2025-26, the pick will be converted to a second-round selection in 2029.
Maccelli hasn't had an easy season - he has 15 points in 28 games; really a solid pace for a bottom-sixer, but his defensive inconsistencies have made him a healthy scratch 12 times this season.
However, he has turned it around; five points in his last five games, and among the Leafs' most efficient scorers.
Craig Berube has noticed; and he has given Maccelli some praise for one of the first times this year:
He just makes plays. He's done a good job on the power play. He's very good at the breakouts, entering the zone, making plays, and getting it set up. He sees the ice well on the power play. He just has composure with the puck in tight areas, and he finds people.
With the Maple Leafs having a surplus at forward, there are some tough decisions to be made; but Maccelli is trying his best to make sure he's never on the outside looking in again.
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| POLL | ||
JANVIER 3|290 ANSWERS Controversial young Maple Leaf forcing tough decisions in the front office Do you think Matias Maccelli will sign an extension in Toronto? | ||
| Yes | 80 | 27.6 % |
| No | 210 | 72.4 % |
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