The Toronto Maple Leafs have one mission in mind for the 2025-26 NHL season. Toronto is seeking to win its first Stanley Cup since 1967. However, this year will be a bit different. Superstar wing Mitch Marner left the team this offseason. In to replace him are the likes of Nicolas Roy, Matias Maccelli, and Dakota Joshua.
Maccelli may be the most intriguing player of the group. He is an undrafted player who made his way to the NHL with the now-defunct Arizona Coyotes. He quickly emerged as one of their better playmakers, as well, after making his debut in 2021-22.
However, the 2024-25 season did not go well for him. After the hockey side of the Coyotes relocated to Utah, Maccelli wanted to make an impact for his new city. Unfortunately, he managed just eight goals and 18 points in 55 games. He was a healthy scratch at points in the year, as well.
The Maple Leafs traded for Maccelli this summer. They believe he has untapped potential. And they will give him a chance to prove his worth. To Maccelli’s credit, he is motivated to show the world that he can perform at a high level again.
“It comes down to ice time and opportunity kind of with the points,” he said. “It wasn’t obviously the best year for myself, but I still know I’m a better player than I was back in Arizona. I got it still in me. So, now I just gotta show people that again,” the Maple Leafs forward said, via Sportnet’s Luke Fox.
Matias Maccelli Could Skate Alongside Auston Matthews
Steph Chambers/Getty ImagesToronto Maple Leafs forward Matias Maccelli believes he can return to form this season.
One area the Maple Leafs need to figure out is who will flank superstar center Auston Matthews. William Nylander feels like a safe bet to do so. Young star Matthew Knies is another strong option. If the lineup needs a shakeup, or an injury occurs, though, who could step up?
Maccelli is one option. Matthews is a fantastic goal scorer. In fact, he is one of two players to score 200+ goals since the 2021-22 season. Having a high-end playmaker alongside him could help him find the back of the net more. Maccelli and Nylander could facilitate a ton of scoring chances for him.
The Maple Leafs are certainly making no promises, but Maccelli is definitely interested. “I would definitely love that. Playing with a guy like that would be great,” he said, via Fox.
Maple Leafs Had Interest From The Beginning
The Mammoth could have held onto Maccelli. Though he’s only signed through the upcoming season, he’s only 24. A team like Utah could have given him a chance to figure things out.
Instead, they elected to trade him. A few teams inquired about a potential trade for the young winger. However, Toronto was interested from the outset. This made a big impression on Maccelli.
“Toronto was one of the teams who showed the most interest,” the Maple Leafs forward said, via Fox. “Right from the start, I told my agent that I would love to play for the Leafs.”
Maccelli is set to make his regular-season debut with the Maple Leafs when they open their season on October 8th against the Montreal Canadiens.
Toronto Maple Leafs Trade Pickup Is Looking To Prove Himself